The Best Instant Pot Tofu Recipes for Easy Dinners

Who says that making flavorful tofu dishes has to be hard? These simple and satisfying Instant Pot Tofu recipes put that idea to rest.

Table of Contents

• What is an Instant Pot?
• Why make tofu in the pressure cooker?
• Instant Pot Tofu Recipes

What is an Instant Pot?

Chances are, you’ve heard people talk about the Instant Pot, but maybe it’s not clear what exactly it is. An Instant Pot is a multi-pot: an electric pressure cooker with other functions.

In fact, you can make most Instant Pot recipes in any electric pressure cooker. It’s like the Kleenex of pressure cookers.

Multi-pots usually include saute, slow cook, and yogurt functions in addition to pressure cooking. They also tend to include presets for things like rice and stew, but I don’t recommend using the presets. They can give you dicey results.

I wrote a very detailed explainer on what electric pressure cookers/multi-pots, like the Instant Pot, can do. If you want to learn more about how to use this incredibly handy kitchen appliance, I definitely suggest checking it out!

Why Make Tofu in the Pressure Cooker?

Have you cooked tofu in your Instant Pot yet? There are so many ways to turn my favorite plant-based protein into a delicious dish using just your Instant Pot.

The Instant Pot has a saute function. So, in addition to being able to pressure cook, you can brown your tofu right in the pot. That means one less dish to wash when you finish cooking.

Not all Instant Pot tofu recipes call for browning your tofu, though. The high pressure inside of the pot gives your tofu a firmer, more toothsome texture than you get on the stovetop.

The other thing I love about pressure cooker tofu recipes is that they tend to be very hands-off. There might be a quick saute at the beginning or simmer-and-stir situation at the end, but the bulk of the cooking is very set it and forget it.

Instant Pot Tofu Recipes

Ready to put your electric pressure cooker to work? Let’s make some Instant Pot tofu, y’all!

Instant Pot Chili with Canned Beans and Tofu

Instant Pot Chili with Canned Beans and Tofu is one of my family’s favorite meals, and it’s so, so easy to make!

Coconut Red Curry Soup with Tofu in the Instant Pot

Coconut Curry Soup with Tofu made in the Instant Pot brings the heat and the flavor, and you can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste. It’s ready in less time than it takes to wait for a takeout order.

Instant Pot Thai Green Curry with Tofu

This slightly sweet and mildly spicy recipe for Instant Pot Thai Green Curry with Tofu beats take-out any day! It’s a delicious vegan curry that comes together in less than 30 minutes, and is completely customizable.

Sassy Instant Pot Sesame Tofu

Deliciously firm tofu with perfectly-steamed snap peas and sweet potato team up with a sweet-and-spicy sauce for a perfect one-pot meal. (photo by Lauren Volo)

Instant Pot Tofu & Little Potato Stew

This hearty vegan stew is full of protein-rich tofu, Fingerling potatoes, vegetables and savoury broth. Use the pressure cooking function on your Instant Pot for a complete one-pot meal that’s ready in 1 hour or less.

Instant Pot Tofu and Broccoli

Chinese-Takeout Style Tofu and Broccoli tastes just as good as takeout and is SO much better for you. Plus, with the Instant Pot, it comes together in no time, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Instant Pot Smoky Tofu Quinoa Biryani

Quinoa biryani infused with Indian spices. Served with smoky tofu and caramelized onions. A flavorful and hearty one-pot dish!

Instant Pot Vegan Butter Chicken

Creamy, velvety Instant Pot Vegan Butter Chicken with Tofu is a quick and easy spin on an old favorite, without losing the flavor.

Instant Pot Tofu Lettuce Wraps

The hearty tofu filling for vegan lettuce wraps comes together in a flash in your Instant Pot!