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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Table of Contents
- What is Silken Tofu?
- History of Silken Tofu
- Silken Tofu vs Regular Tofu
- Cooking with Silken Tofu
- How to Use Silken Tofu
- What Makes Silken Tofu Great for Cooking?
- Types of Silken Tofu
- Where to Buy Silken Tofu
- How to Prepare Silken Tofu for a Recipe
- How to Store 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.
2. Tofu Chocolate Cheesecake
Recipe by: Addicted to Dates
This vegan chocolate cheesecake is rich, creamy, and made with a silken tofu filling that's dairy-free and protein-rich!
3. Divine Chocolate Espresso Mousse
Recipe by: Rainbow Plantlife
This vegan chocolate mousse recipe from Rainbow Plant Life is made with silken tofu, as creamy base for the dessert and it's flavored with dark chocolate, maple and a hint of espresso. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe creates a rich and decadent chocolate treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! It comes together in no time and divine on its own or served with homemade raspberry compote on top.
4. Easy Vegan Tiramisu
Recipe by: Rainbow Nourishments
This vegan tiramisu recipe features a creamy silken tofu filling that is flavored with coffee and cocoa, creating a delicious and indulgent version of the classic Italian dessert.
5. Fluffy Vegan Dutch Baby
Recipe by: Rainbow Plantlife
This recipe vegan Dutch baby is a delicious option for the ultimate weekend brunch! Silken tofu is used to create a vegan batter that is then baked to perfection and is simply divine served with fresh fruit or sweet roasted strawberries.
6. Vegan Tofu Pancakes
Recipe by: Anna Banana
These incredibly soft vegan pancakes are made with silken tofu, and served with maple syrup and berries. The silken tofu is blended with other plant-based ingredients to form a batter that creates a perfect fluffy and moist texture for the pancakes.
7. Vegan French Toast Casserole
Recipe by: A Virtual Vegan
This vegan french toast casserole is a delicious and easy breakfast option that's perfect for feeding a crowd! Silken tofu is used to create a creamy and custardy base, while bread cubes are soaked in a sweet and cinnamon-spiced mixture before being baked to perfection.
8. Pumpkin Chocolate Pie
Recipe by: Plantbased on a Budget
This recipe for vegan pumpkin chocolate pie is a perfect fall dessert that's both delicious and healthy. Silken tofu is used to create a creamy texture and added protein, making it a great alternative to traditional dairy-based pumpkin pies.
9. Silken Tofu Orange Pudding Dessert
Recipe by: Soya Eats
This Silken Tofu Pudding is an easy and refreshing vegan dessert that's perfect for hot summer days! Silken tofu is blended with orange juice, zest, and maple syrup to create a creamy and zesty pudding that's both healthy and delicious.
10. Divine Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
Recipe by: The Vegan Larder
This vegan pumpkin pie cheesecake is a perfect fall dessert! Made with a creamy silken tofu filling and deliciously spiced with pumpkin pie flavors, it’s a great way to enjoy delicious dairy-free desserts!
11. Vegan Vanilla Pudding
Recipe by: Veggie Inspired
This vegan pudding recipe features a silky smooth filling made with silken tofu and flavored with vanilla, making it a healthy and delicious dessert option.
12. Vegan Blintz (Stuffed Crêpes)
Recipe by: Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas
This vegan blintz recipe from Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas offers a delicious, protein-rich filling made with silken tofu, providing a creamy and healthy alternative to traditional cheese fillings. The stuffed vegan buckwheat crepes are a perfect vegan breakfast or brunch option for those looking for a dairy-free and plant-based option.
13. Baked Vegan Cheesecake with Berries
Recipe by: Rainbow Nourishments
The perfect cheesecake for a special occasion! This baked vegan cheesecake is both creamy and rich in protein and topped with delicious fresh berries, adding a burst of flavor to the dessert. The smooth filling is made with silken tofu for the most dreamy cheesecake texture, that will have you asking for more!
14. Vegan Tofu Tiramisu
Recipe by: Soya Eats
This dairy-free tiramisu recipe by Soyaeats uses silken tofu to create a creamy and velvety texture that's perfect for this classic Italian dessert! Layered with speculoos cookies and a coffee liqueur mixture, this vegan tiramisu is a delicious and indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy.
15. Vegan Snickerdoodles with Silken Tofu
Recipe by: Addicted to Dates
A delicious twist on a classic cookie recipe! These vegan snickerdoodles use silken tofu for a creamy and moist texture, while cinnamon sugar adds a warm and comforting flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday treat!
16. Smooth Tofu Chocolate Mousse
Recipe by: Joyful Dumplings
This silken tofu chocolate mousse recipe from Joyful Dumplings is a must-try for chocolate lovers! The creamy and smooth filling is made with silken tofu and cocoa, and Shu-Chun adds a note of Marsala dessert wine taking this chocolate dessert to the next level!
17. Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake
Recipe by: Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas
This divine Biscoff cheesecake comes with a delicious creamy filling made with silken tofu and Biscoff cookies and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. It’s simply an indulgent dessert and perfect for sharing!
Savoury Recipes
18. Creamy Tofu Carbonara
Recipe by: Vegan Punks
This vegan carbonara recipe features a creamy sauce made from silken tofu and additional tofu bacon, making it a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional carbonara.
19. Tomato and Silken Tofu Caprese Salad
Recipe by: Plantbased on a Budget
This Tomato and Silken Tofu Caprese Salad is a fresh and colorful twist on the classic Italian dish! It uses silken tofu in place of traditional mozzarella, adding a creamy and protein-packed element to the dish. This easy recipe is ready in under 20 minutes making it perfect for a busy midweek meal.
20. Nutty Silken Tofu with Soy Sesame Sauce
Recipe by: Carmyy
This recipe packs a flavorful punch with just a handful of ingredients! The silken tofu is the star of the dish, serving as a canvas for the savory and nutty sauce created with soy sauce, sesame oil, gochugaru, mirin, brown sugar and black pepper.
21. Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip
Recipe by: Zardy Plants
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a delicious appetizer or snack that's simply perfect for any occasion! This vegan version is created with a creamysilken tofu and vegan chicken base, this vegan buffalo chicken dip is a flavorful alternative to the classic dip.
22. Easy Japanese Miso Soup
Recipe by: Happy Kitchen
This easy miso soup recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Silken tofu adds a protein-rich base to the flavorful soup, while miso paste and fresh green onions provide a delicious and savory taste.
23. Soft Vegan Scrambled Eggs
Recipe by: A Virtual Vegan
This easy foolproof recipe will get you perfect Vegan Scrambled Eggs every time! It uses silken tofu to create a creamy and protein-rich base. The tofu is blended with spices and nutritional yeast to mimic the flavor and texture of classic scrambled eggs, making it a perfect plant-based breakfast option.
24. Vegan Egg Mayo Sandwich
Recipe by: Vegan Punks
This vegan egg mayo recipe from Vegan Punks is a fantastic alternative to traditional egg salad! It uses silken tofu to create a creamy, protein-rich base, and black salt to add the classic eggy flavor.
Perfect for lunch in a hurry or for prepping in advance for midweek lunches. Just six ingredients in total and 10 minutes are needed. Low effort but high rewards!
25. Vegan Zucchini and Tofu Soup
Recipe by: Debra Klein
This recipe for creamy vegan zucchini soup uses silken tofu to achieve a velvety texture without any dairy. The tofu adds a protein boost while the fresh zucchini, herbs, and spices create a delicious and healthy soup that's perfect for any time of year.
26. Easy Silken Tofu Salad
Recipe by: Veggies Save The Day
This silken tofu salad recipe is simple yet packed with flavor! Silken tofu is used as a protein-rich base, topped with fresh veggies, and dressed with a tangy ginger dressing for a deliciously healthy meal.
27. Silken Tofu Omelette
Recipe by: Cooking with Elo
This vegan silken tofu omelette is a delicious and healthy breakfast option. Silken tofu is used to create a fluffy and protein-rich base, while the filling can be customized with your favorite veggies and spices.
28. Vegan Spinach Quiche with Pesto
Recipe by: Cooking with Elo
This vegan spinach quiche recipe is the perfect addition to your brunch table. The creamy and protein-rich filling is made with silken tofu and vegan ricotta cheese, while spinach adds a delicious twist.
29. Vegan Silken Tofu Mayonnaise
Recipe by: Veggie Inspired
This quick and easy vegan mayonnaise needs just 5 ingredients - including silken tofu! It's ready in mere minutes and it's a creamy, tangy, tasty egg-free and oil-free spread that's perfect on sandwiches or stirred into dressings and salads.
30. Vegan Tofu Cottage Cheese
Recipe by: Zardy Plants
This vegan cottage cheese recipe from Zardyplants uses silken tofu as a base to create a creamy texture and is flavored with zesty lemon juice and agave. It's perfect for spreading on toast, adding to salads, or using in your favorite recipes. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and a healthy, plant-based alternative to traditional cottage cheese.
31. Vegan Mini Frittatas
Recipe by: The Vegan Larder
These vegan eggless bites are a perfect breakfast option that is both healthy and delicious! The Silken tofu helps to create a fluffy and protein-rich base, while the filling can be customized with your favorite veggies and spices.
32. Quick Spicy Silken Tofu with Green Onions
Recipe by: Healthy Midwestern Girl
This light vegan silken tofu salad is a simple yet flavorful dish, featuring a protein-rich firm silken tofu base and topped with a spicy soy dressing and sesame seeds. It's a no-cook recipe and ready in under 5 minutes!
33. Easy Tofu Sour Cream
Recipe by: Easy Chickpeasy
Silken tofu created the perfectly creamy and smooth texture for this vegan sour cream recipe! It's a delicious alternative to traditional sour cream and great for topping tacos, baked potatoes, and more.
34. Indulgent Vegan Garlic Pasta
Recipe by: Delightful Adventures
This creamy vegan garlic pasta features an indulgent sauce made with silken tofu and it's a fantastic alternative to traditional garlic pasta! It's a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the classic pasta dish, perfect for those looking to add more plant-based options to their diet.
35. Spicy Kimchi Jjigae
Recipe by: Sunglow Kitchen
Sun Glow Kitchen's Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae is a spicy Korean tofu stew that's full of flavor and protein-rich silken tofu, making it a healthy and delicious vegetarian meal! With a flavorful broth and a kick of spice, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
36. Crunchy Agedashi Tofu
Recipe by: The Busy Vegetarian
Looking for a delicious and healthy Japanese-style tofu appetizer or snack option? This Agedashi Tofu recipe from The Busy Vegetarian your perfect match! With a crispy fried exterior and a creamy silken tofu filling, it's sure to satisfy your cravings.
37. Creamy Tofu Dip with Herbs
Recipe by: Delightful Adventures
This vegan veggie dip is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional dips, made with a creamy silken tofu base that's perfect for dipping your favorite veggies!
Whether you're a vegan or just looking to add more plant-based options to your meals, incorporating silken tofu into your meals can be a delicious and healthy choice. With the many recipes available, you're sure to find something that suits your taste buds. So give one of these recipes a try and see how you can incorporate silken tofu into your next meal! ❤️
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