35 Best Silken Tofu Recipes (Savory & Sweet)

Silken tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. It's a great source of protein and can be used as a substitute for dairy in many recipes. Whether you're a vegan or just looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, silken tofu is a great ingredient to have on hand.

With this recipe round up, you can explore the many uses of silken tofu in vegan cooking and find inspiration for delicious and easy silken tofu recipes to try at home.

From savory dishes like kimchi jjigae and tofu scramble to sweet treats like pumpkin pie cheesecake and chocolate mousse, I’m certain there's something included for everyone’s tastebuds. So grab some silken tofu and get cooking!

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A photo collage of delicious vegan dishes, featuring a slice of vegan spinach quiche, a bowl of agedashi tofu, miso soup with tofu, a plate of creamy vegan garlic pasta, a small cheesecake topped with shaved chocolate, smooth chocolate mousse and banana tofu pudding. The dishes are all made with silken tofu, providing a protein-rich and healthy alternative to traditional ingredients. Each dish is beautifully presented and garnished with fresh herbs and spices, adding a pop of color and flavor.

Silken Tofu Background & History
Cooking with Silken Tofu

Silken Tofu Background & History

What is Silken Tofu?

Silken tofu is a type of tofu that is made by curdling soy milk without the addition of a coagulant. It’s soft, silky texture and high water content makes it perfect for use in many vegan recipes such as smoothies, creamy sauces, and vegan desserts. Silken tofu is available in different varieties, including soft silken tofu, firm silken tofu, and extra-firm silken tofu.

A Brief History of Silken Tofu

Silken tofu, also known as soft tofu, has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) and was later introduced to Japan in the 8th century and is still a common ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes in many Asian countries.

The production of silken tofu involves curdling soy milk without a coagulant, which results in a texture similar to custard or pudding. The process of making silken tofu is different from that of regular tofu, which is made by pressing curdled soy milk into blocks.

Silken Tofu vs Regular Tofu

Silken tofu is just one type of many different kinds of tofu that exist. The main difference between silken tofu and regular tofu is the way they are processed. Regular tofu is made by pressing curdled soy milk into a block tofu, while silken tofu is made without pressing, resulting in a softer, creamier texture.

Cooking with Silken Tofu

How to Use Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is one of the most versatile ingredients and can be used in a variety of different recipes, from savory to sweet. For example, it can be used as a meat substitute in a main dish, as a dairy substitute in a creamy pasta sauces, and as a protein-rich ingredient in smoothies and breakfast bowls. The silky, soft tofu is also a great addition to salads and fantastic as a side dish.

What Makes Silken Tofu Great for Cooking?

Silken tofu is especially known for its smooth, soft texture. It is a fantastic high-protein ingredient, and both low in fat and calories, making it a healthy addition to any dish. As a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian recipes, and is often used to replace dairy products in many dishes.

Types of Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is available in different varieties, including soft silken tofu, firm silken tofu, and extra-firm silken tofu.

Soft silken tofu has the highest water content and is best used in recipes that require a creamy texture, such as smoothies, dips, and sauces.

Firm silken tofu has a lower water content and holds its shape better, making it a great choice for recipes that require a firmer texture, such as vegan quiches or cheesecakes.

Extra-firm silken tofu has the lowest water content and can be sliced or diced without falling apart, making it perfect for stir-fries or baked dishes.

With these different varieties, you can choose the right type of silken tofu for your recipe and achieve the desired texture and consistency.

Some of my favorite vegan silken tofu recipes that use the silky soft tofu as a main ingredient include Miso Soup, Silken Tofu Scramble, and Creamy Vegan Carbonara.

Where to Buy Silken Tofu

Silken tofu can often be found the refrigerated section in grocery stores in the US and the UK, particularly in the Asian foods section.

It can also be purchased at Asian grocery stores and specialty Asian markets or ordered online from retailers such as Amazon or Asian food websites. Some popular brands of silken tofu in the US include Mori-Nu and Nasoya, while in the UK brands such as Clearspring and Yutaka are widely available.

How to Prepare Silken Tofu for a Recipe

To use silken tofu in your cooking, start by draining the excess water from the package. You can do this by gently placing the block of silken tofu on a plate and letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Once the excess water has drained off, you can use the silken tofu in your recipe.

How to Store Silken Tofu

Fresh silken tofu should be stored in the refrigerator until opened. Ambient silken tofu should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and should not be opened until ready to use.

Once opened, transfer any unused silken tofu to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It is best to use silken tofu within 3-5 days of opening.

Easy Silken Tofu Recipes to Try

Here are some delicious and easy silken tofu recipes to try at home!

Sweet Recipes

1. Banana Silken Tofu Pudding

Recipe by: Avocado Skillet

This vegan banana vanilla silken tofu pudding is a delicious and healthy dessert option, made with a silky smooth tofu-based filling and topped with a crunchy cookie crumble.

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