Tofu has for many the reputation of being a bland ingredient, thrown into dishes as a disappointing veggie option. But this view of tofu shows a deep misunderstanding of this incredibly healthy, versatile staple of Southeast Asian cuisine. For starters, there is not just one kind of tofu, but a plethora – there’s dried tofu, ideal for soaking up marinades; the pleasingly wobbly silken tofu, which is as at home whipped up into creamy sauces as it is in a salad or soup; and tofu made from non-soya products such as sesame or almond – a beautiful sweet treat with a delicate and moreish flavour.

Our collection of tofu recipes will hopefully get you inspired to experiment with this fantastic ingredient. Nancy Anne Harbord shows off the flavour-grabbing talents of dried tofu in her stunning tempura tofu burgers, served with a vibrant coriander pesto and luscious avocado. She also demonstrates sweet, beautifully creamy sesame tofu in her wholemeal doughnut recipe, pairing the whipped tofu with raspberry sauce to fill the doughnuts.

Chef Peter Gordon shows us that tofu needn’t just be reserved for vegetarian dishes – he pairs crispy pork belly with smoked tofu purée and tangy kimchi in his fabulous recipe.