Last Updated: January 02, 2023
Medically reviewed by NKF Patient Education Team
Tofu is a nutrient-dense plant-based food. Your kidney dietitian can show you how to include tofu as part of a kidney-friendly eating pattern. Find a kidney dietitian.
Why is tofu a superfood?
Tofu contains all the essential amino acids needed to build protein and provide your body with energy.
Other reasons why tofu is a superfood include:
- It is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
- Tofu contains omega-3 and omega-6 healthy fats.
- Due to its protein, fiber, and isoflavone content, tofu boasts potential health benefits.
Tofu and kidney disease
Tofu is kidney-friendly because it is a plant-based protein source that is low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Tofu is safe to eat for all the following conditions and treatments:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/Transplant
- Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
- Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis
- Kidney Stones
Tofu tips
- Bulk or individually packaged
- Soft tofu is lower in fat and is good for use in salad dressings, sauces, and desserts
- Firm tofu is good for stir-frying, baking, and grilling
- Tempeh is tofu that has been fermented. It has more texture and a more nutty, meaty flavor.
7 easy ways to use tofu
Tofu is a soy product that is very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways as a meat substitute for many different dishes. You can add it to stir-fry dishes, smoothies, soups, sauces, desserts, and more.
| Tofu aioli | Blend soft tofu, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice into a sauce. |
| Tofu breakfast scramble | Use firm tofu instead of eggs; spice up the flavor and color by mixing in some cumin, Dijon mustard, and turmeric. |
| Marinated tofu | Firm tofu can be used to replace meat in just about any dish; drain, cube, marinate and bake it. |
| Grilled tofu | Use extra firm tofu; cook on a lightly greased grill until heated and grill marks show. |
| Sandwiches and wraps | Cut marinated firm tofu into thin slices and use it in sandwiches and wraps. |
| Soups | Use plain cubed firm tofu in soup recipes. |
| Desserts and smoothies | Blend soft tofu, cocoa powder, vanilla, raspberries, and honey into a smooth, low-phosphorus chocolate pudding or smoothie. |
Source: Northwest Kidney Centers
Recipe–Sesame Greens with Tofu
Serving size: 4 servings per recipe
- 4 cups (about ¾ pound) mixed greens (lettuce, collard, beet, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onions, sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 8 ounces firm tofu, cut into cutes
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Cut greens into 2-inch-long shreds. Remove hard stems if needed.
- Drain tofu and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Heat oil in wok or sauté pan.
- Sauté tofu for 3 to 5 minutes until golden. Set aside.
- Sauté onions until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle curry over onions and add sugar and greens. Cover.
- Reduce heat and let greens steam in their own juice until tender, 3-5 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking. Don’t overcook or the greens will turn darker.
- Add soy sauce and vinegar, and heat to boiling.
- When the sauce is slightly thickened, remove it from the heat and add the tofu.
- Garnish with sesame oil and seeds. Serve with rice or pita bread.
