Silken Tofu Recipe: Delicious & Easy to Make

Full of protein, gluten-free, and vegan. That’s tofu for you. Considering its high nutritional value, it is no surprise that tofu has seen an increase in popularity in recent years. A staple ingredient of Asian cuisine, tofu is a great ingredient in many dishes, as well as a great side dish by itself. One of those side dishes is silken tofu. Although silken tofu is delicious enough by itself, it is usually mixed with a sauce of your own preference to add another layer of taste. Usually served cold and directly from the fridge, silken tofu is a tasty and flavorful side dish. Our own silken tofu recipe is one of the easiest ones, as you will be buying silken tofu packaged and only need to prepare the sauce. The ingredients for the sauce are mostly staple kitchen goods. When it comes to the silken tofu itself, you can find it in most supermarkets. 

Jump to:

• What is silken tofu?
• Silken tofu recipe: helpful tips
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Silken Tofu Recipe
• Comments

What is silken tofu?

Silken tofu is a type of tofu that has a higher water content than regular tofu, while maintaining the same amount of protein. It is made by coagulating soy milk with a curdling agent, and the resulting tofu has a smooth, custard-like consistency. Silken tofu is pretty versatile, and can be used in a variety of dishes. With a silky texture and mild flavor, it is a great addition to soups, sauces, and salads. Silken tofu is also a good source of protein and can be used as a plant-based meat alternative.

Silken tofu recipe: helpful tips

1. Tofu

Since tofu is pretty versatile, you can opt for either pouring the sauce over a block of silken tofu, or you can cut and chop the silken tofu into pieces and mix it with the dressing, producing a stew. 

2. Soy sauce

We recommend going with light soy sauce, as it will allow every ingredient to flourish without dominating the taste of your dish. Opting for darker soy sauce could easily shadow other ingredients. No salt is necessary to add, as light soy sauce is salty enough. 

3. Honey and chili pepper

Although these are optional and you will do just fine without adding, try adding honey or chili pepper. Adding 1 ½ tbsp. honey will give your dish a sweet taste, and the chili pepper will serve to make this silken tofu recipe spicy, adding another layer of flavor. 

Ingredients

• 1 pound silken tofu. 
• 1½ tbsp. light soy sauce.
• Optional — 1 tbsp. honey.
• 1½ tbsp. rice vinegar.
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil. 
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• 2 scallions, sliced.
• Optional — 1½ tbsp. chili pepper. 
• Vegetable broth.
• 1½ tbsp. sugar.
• 1 onion, chopped.

Instructions

1. Remove the excess liquid from the package, before extracting the silken tofu.

2. Place the tofu on a paper towel to soak up the excess liquid.

3. Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan, on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Saute until translucent. Be careful not to burn the onion and the garlic.

4. After they turn brown, lower the heat and pour the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, vegetable broth, and sugar into the pan. 

5. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. 

6. Pour the sauce over the silken tofu, which should be dried by now. 

7. Add chopped scallions and chili pepper on top before serving.