Make the most of silken tofu with these tasty, simple recipes. From scramble and pancakes to stir-fries and pasta sauce, plus desserts too.
Silken tofu (also called soft tofu) is a versatile type of tofu that you can use in many dishes from sauces and dinners to desserts and as a vegan egg replacement.
Don't let its delicate appearance fool you, it is a culinary chameleon that deserves a place in your kitchen.
In this article, I'm going to tell you everything you need to know about this type of soft tofu, from its unique characteristics to some delicious recipe ideas that will make you appreciate this underrated ingredient.
Looking for more pantry staples for your vegan kitchen? Check out this Vegan Grocery Shopping List.
Jump to:
What is Silken Tofu?
Silken tofu is a variety of tofu that's incredibly soft and delicate in texture. It's made from the same soybeans as other tofu types, but is processed differently.
While other varieties are pressed and drained to remove excess water, this type is made by coagulating soy milk without pressing it. This gives it a silky smooth texture.
It is available in various consistencies, ranging from extra soft to firm. The softer varieties are often used in desserts and creamy dishes, while the firmer types can be sliced or cubed for stir-fries and soups.
What does silken tofu taste like?
Silken tofu has a mild and delicate flavor that is often described as slightly sweet and nutty. Its taste is very subtle, and it tends to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it's cooked or mixed with. This makes silken tofu incredibly versatile and suitable for both savory and sweet dishes.
In general, silken tofu's primary role is to provide a creamy and smooth texture rather than a strong taste. It is commonly used in dishes like smoothies, desserts, soups, and sauces to add creaminess without overpowering the other flavors in the recipe.
Why choose this type of tofu?
There are plenty of reasons to give it a try:
1. Creamy Texture: Silken tofu has a wonderfully creamy texture that can mimic dairy products like cream or yogurt, making it an excellent option for vegan and lactose-intolerant individuals.
2. Protein-Packed: This tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making it an ideal choice for vegans and vegetarians looking to boost their protein intake.
3. Versatility: It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be blended, sautéed, or even used as a base for sauces and dressings.
4. Health Benefits: It is low in calories and contains essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Ways to use Soft Tofu
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend silken tofu with ripe bananas and berries for a creamy and nutritious breakfast treat.
- Tofu Scramble: Create a satisfying breakfast scramble with crumbled soft tofu and your favorite veggies.
- Pasta Sauce: Use it as a base for a creamy pasta sauce, such a vegan carbonara.
- Tofu Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a guilt-free dessert with this rich and chocolatey mousse.
- Salad Dressing: Elevate your salads with a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Stir-Fry: Enjoy a quick and flavorful dinner with a stir-fry featuring cubed or crumbled soft tofu.
- Pancakes: Make fluffy pancakes that are entirely egg-free!
- Parfait: Layer the tofu with fresh berries and granola for a delightful dessert or snack.
- Caesar Salad: Give the classic Caesar salad a vegan twist with a creamy tofu dressing.
Recipes
Now that you're convinced of the merits of silken tofu, let's explore some creative ways to incorporate it into your diet!
Silken Tofu Recipes
Silken tofu, the unsung hero of the tofu family, often lurks on the shelves of your local grocery store, overshadowed by its firmer counterparts. But don't let its delicate appearance fool you; silken tofu is a culinary chameleon that deserves a place in your kitchen.
This simple Vegan Tofu Chocolate Mousse recipe delivers a dessert that's airy, velvety, indulgent, and utterly delectable! Moreover, you can prepare it using only four basic ingredients. Savor it immediately for a chocolate pudding-like experience, or refrigerate it for an hour to transform it into a silky, ethereal, and luscious mousse!
Make this delectable and velvety Vegan Cream Cheese with only five straightforward ingredients. It boasts a silky texture, a delightful tanginess, and is an ideal accompaniment for bagels. A superbly uncomplicated, plant-based alternative to traditional cream cheese.
This foolproof recipe guarantees flawless Vegan Scrambled Eggs every time! These eggs are wonderfully soft, luxuriously rich, almost custard-like, and absolutely ideal for heaping onto thick, warm, buttered toast.
Indulge in the ultimate delight for chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts with this Frozen Peanut Butter Cup Pie! It's entirely free of dairy and gluten, sweetened primarily with honey. You'll only require eight ingredients to whip up this scrumptious frozen dessert!
This vegan pot pie is full of potatoes, veggies, sauce and fried seasoned tofu crumbles, all beneath a flaky pastry.
Whip up a fast, effortless, and creamy vegan mushroom pasta that's free from nuts (no cashews!), dairy, and can be adapted to be oil-free and gluten-free. The luscious mushroom pasta sauce comes together swiftly, making it an excellent choice for a vegan dinner on hectic evenings (you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes!).
Indulge in this chocolate vegan fruit dip, which boasts a decadent richness, elevated protein content, and is entirely plant-based. Use it as a delightful accompaniment for dipping strawberries, creating a wholesome snack or dessert.
This creamy silken tofu pumpkin pie is a beloved fall dessert, boasting a flawless custard texture. Not overly sweet and devoid of any tofu taste, this quick, blender-made vegan dessert bakes to perfection in a prepared pie crust. Top it with whipped cream for a stellar holiday treat!
Whip up this speedy and straightforward vegan mayonnaise with only 5 ingredients, and it'll be ready in minutes. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and flavorful egg-free and oil-free spread, ideal for sandwiches or as a delightful addition to dressings and salads.
Here are three silken tofu smoothie recipes, each packed with protein and boasting a smooth, creamy consistency and distinctive, delicious flavors. You'll find one with fruity goodness, another with a rich chocolatey taste, and a vibrant green smoothie—all anchored by silken tofu as their base.
Whip up this effortlessly creamy and cheesy dish in a single pot, and it'll be ready in 30 minutes or less! It's not only vegan and healthy, with no added oil (though you'd never guess), but also excellent for meal prep. Plus, here's the bonus: no need for baking!
Tofu Nori is a comforting Japanese-Chinese fusion, marrying soft tofu and nori seaweed in a heavenly, vegan, and gluten-free dish. Crispy nori and flavorful tofu, combined with a Chinese-style sauce, make for a delicious and nutritious snack, rich in protein and iron.
Meet the best oil-free vegan chipotle mayo! This creamy, spicy, and quick sauce is not only plant-based but also keto, protein-packed, low in calories, low carb, and gluten-free. Ready in under 5 minutes!
Introducing Taho, a warm concoction featuring petite tapioca pearls (sago) and silky tofu, all immersed in a sweet brown sugar syrup. This Filipino Taho recipe serves as a straightforward dessert option to gratify your sweet tooth.
This vegan spinach quiche is crafted without eggs, featuring a wholesome mix of spring vegetables including leek, spinach, and peas for added nutrition. The use of silken tofu provides a texture remarkably reminiscent of eggs, ensuring straightforward baking.
Discover the art of crafting exquisite Mochi donuts with this straightforward recipe. These Japanese treats are tender, sweet, and possess an exceptional mochi-like texture.
This effortless eggless baked cheesecake boasts a delightful, crunchy crust fashioned from Golden Oreos and a luscious, dairy-free cheesecake filling. Silken tofu steps in for eggs found in conventional cheesecakes, yielding an incredibly velvety, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
An easy vegan quiche, brimming with leeks and mushrooms, infused with the richness of fresh herbs, garlic, and mustard. This quiche delivers a creamy, savory, and irresistibly satisfying experience.
This quick vegan raspberry mousse is made with silken tofu and fresh raspberries so it's protein-packed, healthy and tasty!
You only need 3 ingredients for this easy, creamy vegan lemon custard!
This vegan kimchi soup offers a simplified take on the Korean tofu stew, Sundubu jjigae, featuring kimchi, tofu, and potatoes. You can prepare it either in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop!
This quick and easy Silken Tofu with Soy Sesame Sauce is made in less than 5 minutes with only a handful of ingredients! This silken tofu recipe features cold tofu and a savoury sauce is the perfect banchan, aka side dish.
Comments
No Comments