A hearty plant-based twist on a classic favourite
Shredded tofu Bolognese delivers everything people love about the classic dish while offering a vegetarian-friendly option that is packed with protein. When shredded and cooked with my easy tomato sauce, tofu absorbs flavour beautifully, creating a hearty sauce that is every bit as comforting as the original.
Bolognese is one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, known for its rich, savoury flavours and satisfying texture. While the traditional Italian sauce is made with minced meat, plant-based versions have become increasingly popular, and tofu is one of the best ingredients for creating a delicious meat-free alternative.
One of the biggest advantages of tofu is its versatility. It has a mild flavour that acts as a blank canvas, allowing it to soak up the rich flavours of the tomato sauce.
Tofu Bolognese is a great option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their weekly routine or simply looking to try something different. It is an easy way to enjoy familiar flavours with a fresh twist.
Substitutes
I like to shred the tofu on the largest side of my box grater, but you can also crumble the tofu.
Want to try something different with the Bolognese? Try layering it into a vegetable lasgana, as a filling for baked potatoes or stuffed peppers.
Freezable
My tomato sauce is very suitable for freezing and is perfect to have at hand for a quick meal prepped dinner. Make a double batch of the tomato sauce and freeze ready for later.
Big batch cooking tips
Left over shredded tofu Bolognese taste even better the next day, when the flavours have melded together, making this recipe excellent for big batch cooking.
Other recipes for you to enjoy
If you prefer a regular Bolognese with minced meat, I have a version like that as well.
For other shredded tofu recipes try my shredded teriyaki tofu, shredded bulgogi tofu and shredded barbecue tofu. There are so many fun, tasty variations you can do with tofu.
Final thoughts on shredded tofu bolognese
Shredded tofu Bolognese proves that comfort food does not have to rely on meat to be delicious. With its rich tomato based sauce, hearty texture and ability to pair with a wide variety of dishes, it is a satisfying meal that is likely to become a regular part of your recipe collection.
A lifelong vegetarian or simply looking to try a fresh take on a classic favourite, shredded tofu Bolognese is a simple and flavourful way to enjoy one of the most iconic pasta in a whole new way.
Spaghetti Bolognese with shredded tofu
Ingredients
- 400 g firm tofu pressed
- 1 small onion
- 1 tbsp oregano
Tomato sauce
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cans of 400g crushed tomatoes
- 100 ml red lentils
- 200 ml water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- A pinch of white pepper
Instructions
Shredded tofu
- Press 400 g firm tofu between two paper towels.
- Shred or crumble tofu.
- Chop 1 small onion
- In a frying pan, add shredded tofu, chopped onion and 1 tbsp oregano
- Stir and fry until tofu is browning and onion is soft. The lenght depends on how much you press your tofu before, but about ten minutes.
Tomato sauce
- Chop 1 large onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic
- Fry the onion and garlic in 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep pot for about five minutes, until the onion is soft.
- Add 3 cans of 400g crushed tomatoes, 100 ml red lentils and 200 ml waterive a good stir.
- Add 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp oregano, and 1 tsp sugar
- Bring the sauce to boil, then let simmer under lid 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and add salt and A pinch of white pepper as needed.
- Add tomato sauce to your fried tofu and let cook together for ten minutes.
- Serve with spaghetti or your favourite pasta shape.
Leave a Reply