Author: Use your waffle iron to make waffle tofu! It's crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and makes a great vehicle for any toppings, sauces, or garnishes you like! It also makes a great high-protein substitute for toast. Quick and easy to make with just 3 ingredients!
All you need to make waffle tofu is tofu (duh), cornstarch, and spray oil. Now this might seem pretty bland, and it is, that's why you need to top your tofu waffle with a topping or sauce of some kind. I did do a test where I marinated the tofu before putting it in the waffle maker, but this just resulted in the seasonings tasting burnt, so I recommend keeping the tofu plain and then adding toppings and seasonings after it has cooked.
Once your tofu is cooked it has that fun waffle shape which is great for holding onto sauces. It's crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, it's the perfect chewy texture.
For the toppings, in the photos, I made a simple spicy sesame scallion sauce which is delish! I included the recipe below if you want to make it, but feel free to top your tofu waffle with whatever you like. The waffle is super neutral in flavor so you can go sweet or savory.
Some topping/sauce suggestions:
- spicy sesame scallion sauce (recipe below)
- chimichurri
- smashed avocado and everything bagel seasoning
- tomato, balsamic vinegar, and basil
- vegan cheese sauce
- pizza inspired-tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and vegan pepperoni
- berries and maple syrup
- peanut butter and jelly
- banana and vegan Nutella
How to Make Waffle Tofu:
Slice the tofu into 4 slices. Add the cornstarch to a large bowl. Take each tofu slice and coat it in cornstarch, then shake off the excess.
Preheat your waffle maker. Before adding the tofu to the waffle iron, spray each slice generously with oil so that there are no dry spots. Lightly spray the iron with more spray oil, then arrange the tofu slices in a single layer. Close the waffle iron, then balance something heavy on top (such as a cast iron pan), to help compress the tofu as it cooks. Let the tofu cook, checking it every 5 minutes until it is lightly golden. This will take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
Once the tofu is cooked it is ready to enjoy! Use it like toast and spread avocado on top, garnish with different sauces, or add any toppings you like.
If you are making the spicy sesame scallion sauce, simply add all of the sauce ingredients to a medium bowl and mix. Spoon over the waffle tofu.
This waffle tofu is...
- crispy on the outside, tender in the middle
- quick and easy to make
- versatile- garnish with any sauce or topping you like!
More tofu recipes you might like:
Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
The Best Air Fryer Tofu
Quick & Easy Tofu Bacon
Easy Sticky Teriyaki Tofu
Baked Tofu Bites (this one is a fan favorite)!
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Waffle Tofu!
Servings: (makes 1 giant waffle from 1 block of tofu)
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Ingredients
For the waffle tofu:
- 1 (350g/ 12.3oz) block medium, firm, or extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 4 square slices
- 2 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- spray oil
For the sauce (optional, feel free to use any sauce or toppings you like):
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha, (or to taste)
Instructions
- Add the cornstarch to a large bowl. Take each tofu slice and coat it in cornstarch, then shake off the excess.
- Preheat your waffle maker. Before adding the tofu to the waffle iron, spray each slice generously with oil so that there are no dry spots. Lightly spray the iron with more spray oil, then arrange the tofu slices in a single layer. Close the waffle iron, then balance something heavy on top (such as a cast iron pan), to help compress the tofu as it cooks. Let the tofu cook, checking it every 5 minutes until it is lightly golden. This will take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
- Once the tofu is cooked it is ready to enjoy! Use it like toast and spread avocado on top, garnish with different sauces, or add any toppings you like.
- If you are making the spicy sesame scallion sauce, simply add all of the sauce ingredients to a medium bowl and mix. Spoon over the waffle tofu.
Notes
Some topping/sauce suggestions:
- spicy sesame scallion sauce (recipe above)
- chimichurri
- smashed avocado and everything bagel seasoning
- tomato, balsamic vinegar, and basil
- vegan cheese sauce
- pizza inspired-tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and vegan pepperoni
- berries and maple syrup
- peanut butter and jelly
- banana and vegan Nutella
Nutrition
⭐ Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love if you left a rating and comment, it helps others find the recipe and makes my day! 💕More vegan recipes you might enjoy:
Donna says
This was amazing! So quick and easy to make with ingredients that most vegans have on hand. I'm wondering what to serve this with . . .
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So glad you liked it, Donna! 😊 If you top it like I did in the photos, it would be nice served with steamed or roasted broccoli and some rice. Yum!
Marty Roddy says
I wonder if a Tofu scramble would be ok..???
With flax or chia as a wet binder??
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hmmm I am not sure about this one, it might not hold together well. Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try tho!
Marty Roddy says
I love playing with the waffle iron....Thanksgiving leftovers, mashed potatoes,stuffing , mixed together and WAFFLED then served with graVY and cranberry.....Will try like this Then experiment with marinades....
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That sounds AMAZING, Marty. Waffling leftovers is elite-level creativity 😄
Efrat says
Can I do it without the cornstrach? just put the tofu on the tray ?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Efrat! You can waffle the tofu without cornstarch, but it won’t get as crispy. The cornstarch helps dry the surface and gives that golden, crunchy exterior. Without it, the tofu will still cook, just more soft. Hope that helps! 😊
Mike says
Wow, just wow. While I love tofu, my wife detests it. I’ve been able to make a tofu scramble that she likes and now requests regularly. I tried this one and even thought I probably overcooked it by cooking 25 minutes, it was crispy and delicious. We added avocado and cilantro to the sauce and it was perfect. I’ve made it a couple more times at her request so a big thank you for the recipe. We also have a double Belgium waffle maker and it worked really well.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Fantastic! We're so happy to hear it!
Efrat says
Got it ! thanks for the explanation
Cata says
Actually taking the waffle maker out took more time than making this. 🙂 It was worth it - crispy, flavorful, easy... I ate it right out of the pan, with the sauce on it. Next, I'm cutting some up and adding it as a topping on salad. Then adding some to stir fry. Then...
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha I love that!! So thrilled you enjoyed it Cata!!!
Holly says
What firmness of tofu works best for this recipe?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Holly, medium, firm, or extra-firm tofu all work well here 🙂
Ann says
This is such a fun, easy way to cook tofu! It came out amazing! Thank you so much! Another excellent recipe
David says
My waffle iron has a temperature selector. At what temperature do you suggest setting it for this?
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Unfortunately, there isn't an easy way to know but we suggest playing with the deal until you find the setting that turns out the waffles you like best!
Wendy Rogge says
Do you press the tofu first?
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
No, pressing isn't necessary.
Mavis says
What style of tofu do you use? Can a panini press work as well?
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Medium, firm, or extra firm tofu works great. We haven't tested a panini press but it would probably work well!
Mavis says
Can a panini press work as well?
Dee says
Yum! Which texture of tofu tastes the best? I’m buying ingredients just for this!
Andrea says
This is probably the best idea ever! I can’t wait to try this!!
Amy says
This turned out so delicious! The texture is awesome and everything came together so fast. Perfect for a busy week night dinner. And so many toppings possibilities! I also want to try marinating the tofu first. Thanks for sharing this!
Kay says
Surely I could mix salt with the cornstarch?
(I only have a mini waffle iron, I'm curious, but not sure I want to spend 20 minutes per quarter... At least today. Maybe when I have the house to myself.)
Nu says
It has to taste Wow!! I wonder if it is possible to step the cornstarch (as I am making a keto diet...)
Colin says
Mostly likely the tofu will stick and burn in the waffle iron as the cornstarch creates a crust and absorbs moisture coming from the tofu. Try almond flour; I'm not sure that nut flours would help as they might burn too, but they are keto friendly.
Sam Turnbull says
Sure, it just won't be as crispy on the outside. Enjoy!
SK says
Genius!