13 Easy Tofu Thanksgiving Recipes (Vegan & Vegetarian Mains and Sides)
Looking for a tofu main dish or side that even your meat-loving relatives will go back for seconds of? These 13 easy tofu Thanksgiving recipes are crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. If you plan on having a vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving menu, or just want a plant-based option on the table, this collection of deliciously spiced tofu recipes that can be served as a main or side dish is for you!
A few years ago, I heard a little tidbit on the news about “The Gentle Barn” which planned on hosting a “Gentle Thanksgiving.” What, you may be wondering, is a “Gentle Thanksgiving?” Well, according to the hosts, it’s an occasion to cuddle turkeys, feed them treats, enjoy pie, and games, and celebrate life!
I’m not sure if I will be cuddling any turkeys, but I will be doing my best to make and serve ALL the tofu to my meat-loving family this Holiday season!
My Favorite Tofu Thanksgiving Recipes
Spicy Baked Tofu
I love the idea of serving these lightly crispy, Spicy Baked Tofu medallions on a bed of greens. They can be drizzled with a pumpkin chili sauce or served as is. These are made with just 6 ingredients and are perfect to serve up as a holiday entrée or everyday side dish. Get the recipe here.
Air Fried Tofu
If your oven is packed to the brim on Thanksgiving Day (and whose isn’t?!), let your air fryer do the work! Made with 10 ingredients and ready in about 25 minutes, this Easy Air Fried Tofu turns out crispy and tasty with hardly any fuss. Toss it onto a salad, pile it next to your favorite sides, or drizzle it with one of the sauces in this post. Get the recipe here.
Maple Chili Tofu
This is such a delight to make! And, even more, such a delight to enjoy! Lightly crispy Maple Chili Tofu is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy. This plant-based recipe makes for a light and tasty side dish. Get the recipe here.
Harissa Tofu
If you happen to be serving up a plethora of curries, chutney, and rice or roti, you have got to consider adding this Harissa Tofu to your roster! Rich and creamy, this Easy Harissa Tofu Curry is made with only 8 main ingredients. This dairy-free curry is delicious and served with some fragrant yellow rice or Sri Lankan roti. Get the recipe here.
Marry Me Tofu
Rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting, this One-pot Marry Me Tofu is my vegan spin on the ever-so-popular Marry Me Chicken. Pan-fried tofu simmers away in a flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce, and it makes a fabulous holiday main dish, especially with something to mop up every last bit of that sauce! Get the recipe here.
Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu
I am almost embarrassed to admit this, almost being the key there, but, the first time I made this dish, my daughter and I didn’t even bother grabbing plates! This version of tofu has been made and remade so many times in our home, and each time it disappears in record time. In this, tofu is spiced and oven-roasted until crispy, along with a medley of comforting vegetables in this Easy Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu dish.
Now, if you want a fun serving idea, you can skewer these tofu and vegetable bits onto wooden skewers much like in this waffle and tofu skewers recipe. Get the recipe here.
Crispy Tofu in Spinach Curry Sauce
If you are not a greens-lover, you might take one look at this and think, “yuck!” And, to that, all I can say is just taste it – with your eyes closed! This does not taste like spinach + tofu! No Lie! Simply scrumptious, this spinach curry sauce is creamy and flavorful with a handful of healthy ingredients. It is delicious to slurp on as is, or with some of your favorite sautéed meat or well-spiced crispy tofu. Get the recipe here.
Tofu Burgers
If by some odd chance you are planning on burgers for your Thanksgiving meal – these tofu burgers are spiced with an irresistibly sweet and spicy BBQ Pineapple sauce and are a tasty option for non-beef eaters and spice-lovers alike! These burgers also happen to be totally gluten-free and vegan. Get the recipe here.
Honey BBQ Tofu
This simple, tasty, and filling Easy Honey BBQ Tofu is a delightfully delicious and lighter side dish. It is packed with flavor and a delicious addition to a holiday or Thanksgiving meal! Get the recipe here.
Date Tamarind Tofu
This easy vegan Date Tamarind Tofu Curry has your sweet, spicy, and tart bases covered, and it is delicious with some rice or roti. This is one of those dishes that can easily command center stage as well as play a side dish role! Get the recipe here.
Pan Fried Tofu Curry with Tomatoes and Spinach
A warm, comforting, tasty, and healthy, vegetarian curry that can be enjoyed with rice or naan, or even pasta! Get the recipe here.
Peri Peri Tofu
Quick and Simple, Tofu sauté with Peri-Peri, Kale & Mustard Seeds. This is a light tofu dish that would make a fantastic side. An added bonus for adding this to your Thanksgiving or holiday meal roster is having seconds of dessert! Life is all about balance, right?! Get the recipe here.
Mango Tofu
With lightly caramelized onions, bold garlic, and spicy ginger, this Mango tofu dish is another one that can take center stage or play a side dish role. It is a delicious blend of tastes and textures. Get the recipe here.
Tips for Serving Tofu at Thanksgiving
- Press it well. Pressing out as much water as you can is the secret to crispy tofu. A tofu press works great, but a clean kitchen towel and a heavy pan do the trick too!
- Pick extra-firm tofu for baking, air frying, and skewers. It holds its shape and gets the crispiest.
- Get a head start. Press and cube your tofu, and make any sauces a day ahead, so all that’s left on Thanksgiving Day is to cook and serve.
- Serve one main and one side. Pair a saucy tofu dish, like the Marry Me, Harissa, or Date Tamarind Tofu, with a crispy one, like the Spicy Baked or Air Fried Tofu, so your non-meat eaters have plenty to fill their plates.
- Mix and match the sauces. Drizzle the pumpkin chili sauce over the crispy tofu, or skewer the Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu and veggies for a fun appetizer.
Hoping you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
If you happen to make any of these tofu sides, please stop by and leave me a comment. Or, let me know via DM or tag @SavorySpin on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook!
