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Red Lentil Tofu

Red Lentil Tofu

Make your own soy-free tofu using just three ingredients: red lentils, water and salt!

Red Lentil Tofu is exactly what it sounds like: high-protein tofu made from lentils instead of soybeans! I use red lentils, water and salt to create a soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan tofu.

It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile!

Who Invented Red Lentil Tofu?

I first saw red lentil tofu on…where else? TikTok! And though there are many different variations of this recipe on the web now, it was kindly brought to my attention that Camilla from @powerhungrycamilla was the original mastermind behind this brilliant trend! To the best of my knowledge, all recipes you’ve seen online are likely modified versions of her original concept and recipe โค๏ธ

Please note that this recipe is an adaptation of several recipes I saw on TikTok which I now know have likely originated from Camilla’s original invention. The recipe written below is the result of lots of recipe testing and playing around with ingredients in my kitchen so it differs in several ways from similar versions you may have seen on social media. While I didn’t invent red lentil tofu, this recipe is simply how I like to make it at home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and shoutout to Camila for coming up with such a cool idea!

How to Make Red Lentil Tofu

Soak

Before you get started, soak the lentils overnight to soften them up.

How cute is this heart that randomly formed on top? ๐Ÿ˜

Next, drain the soaking water and rinse the lentils. Then add the lentils to a large mixing bowl and pour 4 cups of boiling water on top. Allow the water to cool (this should take about 20 minutes or so.)

Blend

Once cooled, add the lentils and the water to a large blender and blend until smooth and creamy. About 30 seconds.

Tip: if you have a small blender like I do, this can be done in 2 batches.

Cook

Once cooled, add the creamy lentil mixture to a saucepan and set to medium-high heat. Whisk for 2-3 minutes, then slowly whisk in the remaining 4 cups of water.

Add the salt and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat, whisking continually to prevent lumps. It will slowly start thicken right before you eyes during this time!

Remove from the heat and a large spoon to skim the bubbles off of the top of the batter.

Pro Tip: Whisking continually is key for this recipe because as starches hydrate and heat up, they expand which is why this mixture goes from a liquid to a thick and creamy batter in just a matter of minutes. Reducing the heat to medium and whisking as it heats will ensure that you have a thick, creamy and smooth tofu with no lumps ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ More about how starches work to thicken in this video.

Chill

Transfer the red lentil mixture to a 9x13in pan. Smooth out the top with a spoon and cool. 

Once cool, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight for a firm consistency. It will be creamy in the center on day one, almost like a medium tofu tofu text and firmer the longer it sets. I think it’s best on day 2 or 3 in terms of texture so this is great to make in advance.

Ta-daa!! You made tofu!

Once firm, you can slice the tofu into your desired shape and it’s ready to use!

Health Benefits of Red Lentils

What Does Red Lentil Tofu Taste Like?

It’s mild in flavor (kinda doesn’t taste like anything with a slightly beany aftertaste ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ) so you can season and cook it however you like! It’s creamier and more delicate than tofu and the texture is kind of like plain buffalo mozzarella. Somewhere between watery and creamy, with a smooth texture and neutral flavor profile.

It really takes on the flavor of whatever you season or marinate it with!

I love seasoning this Red Lentil Tofu with lemon pepper and grilling it on both sides. Serve on salads, wraps or sandwiches ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ
Cut the tofu into cubes and add to a big mixing bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and poultry seasoning.

Toss and bake at 400 until golden brown around the edges. So tasty!
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Recipe FAQs

Do I have to the chill the red lentil mixture overnight?

For best results and easy cooking, I’d say yes. The tofu will set in about 2-3 hours but the texture will be soft and creamy in the center. Kind of like soft tofu…but creamier. Honestly, the longer you can wait to cut it, the better ๐Ÿ™‚

I personally prefer to buy firm tofu at the store so letting the Red Lentil Tofu set overnight, or even making it 2 days ahead, is the best way to achieve a similar level of firmness.

How do I store Red Lentil Tofu?

Store in an airtight container for about 5-6 days. No need to store in water.

Or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 6 months and simply thaw in the fridge when ready to use.

Watch Me Make Red Lentil Tofu Here ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ

Red Lentil Tofu Recipe

Nicole Vranjican
High protein homemade tofu made with just three ingredients! Soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free recipe
4 from 4 votes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup split red lentils
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 4 cups room tempertaure water
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

Soak

  • Before you get started, soak the lentils overnight to soften them up.
  • Next, drain the soaking water and rinse the lentils. Then add the lentils to a large mixing bowl and pour 4 cups of boiling water on top. Allow the water to cool (this should take about 20 minutes or so.)

Blend

  • Once cooled, add the lentils and water to a large blender and blend until very smooth and creamy. About 30 seconds.
    Tip: if you have a small blender like I do, this can be done in 2 batches.

Cook

  • Pour the lentil mixture into a large saucepan and set the heat to medium-high.
    Add the salt and whisk for 2-3 minutes.
    Lower heat to medium if needed and slowly whisk in the remaining 4 cups of water.
    Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat, whisking continually to prevent lumps.ย It will slowly start to thicken right before you eyes!ย 
    Remove from the heat and a large spoon to skim the bubbles off of the top of the batter.
    Pro Tip: Whisking continually is key for this recipe because as starches hydrate and heat up, they expand which is why this mixture goes from a liquid to a thick and creamy batter in just a matter of minutes. Reducing the heat to medium and whisking as it heats will ensure that you have a thick, creamy and smooth tofu with no lumps ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ

Chill

  • Transfer the red lentil mixture to a 9x13in pan.
    Smooth out the top with a spoon and cool.
    Once cool, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight for a firm consistency. It will be creamy in the center on day one, almost like a medium tofu tofu text and firmer the longer it sets.ย I think it's best on day 2 or 3 in terms of texture so this is great to make in advance.

Ta-daa!! You made tofu!

  • Once firm, you can slice the tofu into your desired shape and it's ready to use!
    Tip: This tofu is softer and creamier than store bought tofu so I find it's a little more delicate. Because of this I like to handle it carfully when seasoning. Usually I drizzle on some olive oil, season liberally with spices and bake at 400 until golden around the edges.
    It's also delicious when seasoned and grilled on a non-stick grill pan or when cubbed and added to soups or stews in the last few minutes of cooking.
    Hope you enjoy!
Keyword red lentil tofu, red lentils, tofu
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Nicole Vranjican

Hey! I’m Nicole and I make practical vegan recipes for REAL life. I cook with simple, easy to find ingredients and I’m passionate about creating delicious plant-based meals that everyone will love!

I hope you enjoy my recipes and videos :) Happy Cooking!

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17 Comments

  1. JD
    May 16, 2022 / 12:11 pm

    1 star
    I tried the โ€˜simpleโ€™ red lentil tofu recipe and ended up with a soggy mess. I put less water in than the recipe as it seemed too much, itโ€™s absolutely swimming – even with less water.
    I suggest you have a go yourself and stick to your own recipe and then re-visit.

    • Nicole Vranjican
      Author
      May 17, 2022 / 2:52 pm

      Hey! Sorry to hear that! Did you drain and discard the soaking water, then add 4 cups of boiling water and stir in 4 more cups when cooking? It should thicken up when it’s on the heat for 10 minutes with continuous whisking. Let me know!

  2. harry gray
    May 18, 2022 / 7:53 am

    5 stars
    Worked fantastic!

    So easy and quick too, thanks for sharing this recipe ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Nicole Vranjican
      Author
      May 18, 2022 / 5:57 pm

      Aw thanks Harry! I’m so glad you liked it ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for letting me know!

  3. Elena
    May 18, 2022 / 1:42 pm

    I havenโ€™t tried it but while reading it I thought that the recipe called for quite a lot of water. Makes me hesitant to try making it.

    • Nicole Vranjican
      Author
      May 18, 2022 / 5:56 pm

      Hey Elena ๐Ÿ™‚ Legumes require a lot of water to cook properly. The water is slowly absorbed by the starches in the lentils and the mixture because creamy and thick as it cooks. Once cool, it sets and the texture will be on the creamier side after day one and then much firmer (my favorite) by day two or three. Hope you enjoy!

  4. Kristin
    May 19, 2022 / 1:35 am

    Trying this out tonightโ€ฆ sorry if youโ€™ve already said and I missed it, but does this freeze well? Thanks!

  5. K
    May 21, 2022 / 8:42 pm

    5 stars
    Easier than I thought and makes so much. Iโ€™m going to freeze some of it. Thanks for sharing Nicole.

    • Nicole Vranjican
      Author
      May 22, 2022 / 7:00 am

      My pleasure! I have some in my freezer too! Hope you enjoy it ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for making my recipe!

  6. Stephen Tomczyk
    May 22, 2022 / 1:06 pm

    Could this recipe be modified to make a Red Lentil Cheese?

    • Nicole Vranjican
      Author
      May 22, 2022 / 5:26 pm

      Possibly! I’ve never heard of that but it sounds great! Have you made lentil cheese before? I’d love to try your recipe ๐Ÿ˜Š

      • Stephen Tomczyk
        May 24, 2022 / 4:51 pm

        I’ve never made lentil cheese before. I’ve tried a few other recipes with mixed results. I’m going to experiment a bit and let you know. I’ll video my experiments and write down a recipe if I succeed.

  7. Emily
    May 26, 2022 / 12:54 pm

    5 stars
    This worked perfectly for me and was really simple and fun to make! I’ve been enjoying it all week – I like it simply browned on all sides with some lemon pepper seasoning, so much that I haven’t wanted to try it any other way, lol.

    • Nicole Vranjican
      Author
      May 27, 2022 / 5:59 am

      Yum! I’m so glad you enjoyed it Emily! I love that you like the lemon pepper method ๐Ÿ˜Š Great job!

  8. Doug
    June 5, 2022 / 4:16 pm

    Great success with this recipe. Add my seasoning right before transferring to pan. Nutritional yeast, garlic, liquid smoke, paprika, maple syrup, soya sauce, going for a bacony flavour. Will slice, flour, and fry up to crisp and use on a blt-ish sandwich

    • Nicole Vranjican
      Author
      June 6, 2022 / 4:33 pm

      That sounds fantastic! Love the BLT idea, that sounds delicious. I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe Doug! Thanks for letting me know ๐Ÿ˜Š

  9. Anonymous
    December 27, 2023 / 6:18 pm

    Burmese people or Myanmar now have been making tofu out of lentils and beans like this for centuries!

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