tofu

noun

to·​fu ˈtō-(ˌ)fü 

: a soft food product prepared by treating soybean milk with coagulants (such as magnesium chloride or diluted acids) : bean curd

… tofu is our most versatile form of nonanimal concentrated protein, as well as the least processed and the most traditional.

—Mark Bittman

The tofu … was sliced uniformly and stacked neatly in the bowl of clear, seafood-flavored broth.

—Karen Hayes

Vegetarian cooking has never been so simple. Supermarkets carry packaged convenience foods like tofu hot dogs …

—Norine Dworkin

Examples of tofu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The menu features a range of options, including chicken, beef, sausage and shrimp, along with vegetarian and vegan choices such as mushrooms and tofu. —Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026

It’s built for salads, sure, but ranch dressing is also, crucially, a dip, ideal for dunking chicken wings and tofu nuggets. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026

Everything is homemade, including their hot and sour soup that's worth the visit alone with its tender bamboo shoots, soft tofu, black mushrooms and egg in a spicy, sour broth. —Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Feb. 2026

To keep your muscles strong and enable weight-bearing exercise, incorporate sources of lean protein—such as poultry, fish, legumes, yogurt, tofu, and egg whites—into your meals. —Jamie Ducharme, Health, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese tōfu

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tofu

noun

to·​fu ˈtō-fü 

: a soft food product prepared by coagulating soybean milk

called also bean curd