Published: by Katie
Silken tofu is one of the most versatile ingredients and tastes great in a big variety of savory recipes such as soups, pasta sauces and dips. But did you know that you can also make the most indulgent desserts using silken tofu? Believe me when I say it's an ingredient that's definitely worth exploring!
Jump to:
- What is Tofu?
- What is Silken Tofu?
- Silken Tofu vs. Firm Tofu
- Nutritional Values
- How to Use Silken Tofu?
- FAQs
- Breakfast
- Main Dishes
- Desserts
Silken tofu has become a staple in vegan cooking which is why most of the recipes below are vegan silken tofu recipes. Because of its distinct texture, this type of tofu is often used in cheesecakes, creamy mousse recipes or pasta sauces.
What is Tofu?
Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into solid white blocks. The process is similar to cheese-making.
In the US, tofu is often made from GMO (genetically modified) soybeans. If you're trying to avoid GMO foods then choose organic tofu instead!
Since it's made from soy milk, tofu is naturally dairy-free, nut-free and high in protein.
What is Silken Tofu?
Silken tofu is a specific type of tofu. It's very soft and delicate and can be used in a variety of recipes. The main difference between silken tofu and firm tofu is their texture.
Silken Tofu vs. Firm Tofu
There are different types of tofu and they are distinguished according to their texture: silken, regular, firm and extra-firm.
- Silken Tofu: has a silky, creamy texture because of its high water content. It's very wobbly- a block of silken tofu will fall apart once it's out of the package. Silken tofu is also known as Japanese-style tofu and because of its texture, it's great in recipes such as soups, smoothies, creamy desserts or dips and sauces.
- Regular Tofu: It's a little firmer than silken tofu but still quite soft. It soaks up the flavors of sauces really well which is why it's a common ingredient in Asian dishes.
- Firm Tofu: is the one that's mostly available in grocery stores. It has a lower water content and is usually used in pan-fried tofu recipes.
- Extra-Firm Tofu: Holds even less water than firm tofu. It's also often used for stir-fries or deep-fried recipes but doesn't absorb the flavor of marinades as well.
Nutritional Values
Tofu is very nutrient dense. Compared to its calories, it has a lot to offer!
First of all, it's a complete protein which means that it contains all the essential amino acids. Tofu is also high vitamins and minerals in calcium, manganese, copper and selenium and Vitamin A.
Additionally, it's high in fiber which is linked to a healthy gut. You can read more about the benefits of tofu here.
How to Use Silken Tofu?
Because of its specific soft and silky texture, silken tofu is very versatile and can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes. It's very delicate though and not suited for frying, grilling or any other recipes that would the tofu require to hold its shape.
It's also a protein-rich ingredient and often used in vegan or vegetarian recipes as a meat substitute.
It also tastes great in soups, pasta dishes, pies or dips and sauces. My favorite way of using silken tofu though is in desserts!
FAQs
Is silken tofu the same as regular tofu?
No, the tofu mostly available in grocery stores is firm tofu/ regular tofu. The texture of firm tofu differs a lot from the texture of silky tofu so make sure to look for silky tofu specifically. If you can't get it in the supermarket, you can order it online.
Can I use normal tofu instead of silken?
No, because of their different textures silken tofu and normal tofu can not be used interchangeably. Silken tofu has a silky, creamy texture because of its high water content. It's very wobbly- a block of silken tofu will fall apart once it's out of the package.
Can you firm up silken tofu?
No, silken tofu will stay very soft which is why it's used in certain recipes in the first place.
Should you press silken tofu?
Silken tofu doesn't need to be pressed like regular tofu in order to get rid of the excess water. Simply drain any excess liquid left and use the tofu right away.
Breakfast
This recipe collection includes 3 different silken tofu breakfast recipes. You'll see that it's often used as an egg replacer and you can even use it in overnight oats to add some protein and creamy texture.
Silken Tofu Smoothie
The fact that silken tofu has a relativelyneutral tastemakes it a perfect foundation for smoothies allowing other flavors to shine. Try one of these silken tofu smoothies for a protein-packed breakfast.
make the recipe
Silken Tofu Scramble
Did you know that you can make tofu taste just like real eggs? This silken tofu scramble recipe looks and tastes just like scrambled eggs. The key ingredients are turmeric powder and black salt, which provide a yellow color and eggy flavor.
Recipe & Image: Cooking With Elo
Vegan Silken Tofu Omlette
This tofu omelette is eggy, savory, and super flavorful! Get creative and fill it with whatever filling you fancy.
Recipe & Image: My Plantiful Cooking
Protein Overnight Oats
Silken tofu is a healthy way to add even more creaminess and protein to overnight oats.
Recipe & Image: My Quiet Kitchen
Appetizers, Soups & Side Dishes
Miso Soup might be the one recipe that comes into your mind when you think of tofu in soups. While it's still a delicious classic, there are also a lot of other ways to include silken tofu in appetizer, soup or side dish recipes.
Silken Tofu With Korean Soy Sauce
This easy vegan silken tofu is served hot or cold with a savory Korean soy sauce flavored with green onions, peppers, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, also known as gochugaru. It makes a great appetizer or vegan entree that's a good source of protein.
Recipe & Image: Drive Me Hungry
Tomato & Silken Tofu Caprese Salad
A plant-based version of an Italian classic! This tomato and silken tofu caprese salad might become a regular at your household!
Recipe & Image: Plant Based On A Budget
Silken Tofu Salad
Silken Tofu Salad is a delicious combination of tofu, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado with a light flavorful dressing. This salad is perfect as a nutritious lunch or as a starter with other Asian-inspired dishes.
Recipe & Image: Veggies Save The Day
Chilled Cucumber Soup
This healthy and light cucumber soup is perfect for sweltering summer days. Silken tofu gives this soup a creamy body that pairs perfectly with the cucumber.
Recipe & Image: Garlic and Zest
Easy Miso Soup
This easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup) with shiitake mushrooms makes a perfect nutritious umami-packed savory vegan lunch. Comforting, healthy and ready in just 15 minutes!
Recipe & Image: Happy Kitchen
Vegan Cream of Zucchini Soup
Quick and Easy Vegan Cream of Zucchini Soup Recipe. Just 7 ingredients and less than 30 minutes. Serve warm or cold for a satisfying and nutritious, delicious dairy-free soup.
Recipe & Image: Debra Klein
Tomato Enoki Mushroom & Tofu Soup
An Asian-Style Tomato Soup that's packed with flavors and ready in less than 25 minutes.
Recipe & Image: Joyful Dumplings
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup with Tofu
Whip up this easy instant pot sweet potato soup with silken tofu to warm up. The tofu adds extra creaminess and makes this soup silky and delicious.
Recipe & Image: Nourish Nutrition Blog
Main Dishes
Soft silken tofu is perfect for creating creamy sauces which is why it's a popular ingredient in pasta dishes. It's also used in typical Korean stews or other vegan recipes such as vegan pot pies or quiche. Below you'll find a variety of vegan lunch and dinner recipes.
Vegan Pot Pie
Not just a festive favourite, but also a crowd-pleasing meal regardless of the ocassion. This vegan pot pie contains a secret portion of silken tofu as well as plenty of veggies. Simply irresistible!
Recipe & Image: My Vegan Minimalist
Vegan Carbonara
This vegan carbonara puts tofu to use in one of the best ways possible - to make a rich and creamy silken tofu pasta sauce! As a bonus, this recipe is quick to make and packed with protein.
Recipe by Vegan Punks
Silken Tofu Curry
Thissilken tofu curryis a delicious combination of melt-in-your-mouth silken tofu, tender vegetables, creamy peanut sauce, and aromatic Thai red curry flavours. Ready in just 30 minutes- the perfect weeknight dinner!
Recipe & Image: Forkful of Plants
Vegan Pasta Frittata
This vegan pasta frittata is ideal for using up leftover pasta (or veggies) and packs up so nicely for lunch on the go.
Recipe & Image: The Vegan Larder
Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Stew)
Soondubu jjigae is one of the most popular Korean stews out there, featuring spicy-sour notes from kimchi paired with the creamy, custard-like texture of silken tofu.
Recipe & Image: Earth To Veg
Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Mac ‘n’ cheese is one of those vegan recipes that many people consider the ultimate comfort food. What a bliss if you can make this recipe healthy and tasty at the same time!
Recipe & Image: Nutri Planet
Vegan Quiche
Vegan Garlic Pasta
Creamy vegan garlic pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it ready to serve in under 30-minutes!
Recipe & Image: Delightful Adventures
Desserts
These silken Tofu Dessert Recipes will blow your mind! Think creamy chocolate mousse, vegan cheesecake recipes or other no-bake desserts. You can even make ice cream with silken tofu- it sure is a magic ingredient!
Creamy Chocolate Mousse (3 ingredients!)
This velvety smooth Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse isincredibly rich and creamy. The best part is that the basic recipe for this creamy chocolate mousse consists of only3 ingredientsand isready in 15 minutes!
make the recipe
Baked Vegan Cheesecake with Berries
Baked vegan cheesecake with a creamy filling and juicy berries. The recipe can also be made gluten free, refined sugar free and coconut-free! Compared to other vegan cheesecake recipes, this recipe usesNO vegan cream cheese.
Recipe & Image: Rainbow Nourishments
Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake (no-bake, nut-free)
Easy chocolate silken tofu cheesecake with an oreo cookie crust and chocolate ganache sauce. This vegan cheesecake is no-bake and made without cashews.
Recipe & Image: Addicted To Dates
Vegan Lemon Bars (gluten-free)
These lightened-up vegan lemon bars use silken tofu in the filling instead of the usual dairy, eggs, or coconut milk.
Recipe & Image: My Quiet Kitchen
Silken Tofu Ice Cream
This creamy vegan ice cream recipe requires only easy ingredients and no special equipment, except a blender. You’ll get a sweet flavor and perfectly creamy texture without the dairy and too much sugar.
Recipe & Image: Hurry The Food Up
Easy Vegan Tiramisu
Easy vegan tiramisu using only 5 key ingredients, no cashews, no vegan cream cheese or added coconut oil! It takes only 20 minutes to prepare and is as creamy and delicious as the classic Italian dessert!
Recipe & Image: Rainbow Nourishments
Chocolate Chai Pot De Creme
This delicious dessert is so simple to make! All you need is a blender, no cooking required - and nobody will guess it uses tofu!
Recipe & Image by Evergreen Kitchen
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
This Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake is creamy and full of delicious fall flavors. Serve this easy-to-make dessert after your holiday meals or just enjoy a slice with coffee and friends this season.
Recipe & Image: Eat Something Vegan
Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Pie
This vegan chocolate peppermint pie combines a chocolate pie crust with a creamy silken-tofu chocolate-peppermint filling, all topped off with crushed candy canes, and is the perfect fuss-free holiday dessert.
Recipe & Image: Plant Based On A Budget
Filipino Taho Recipe: Sweet Tofu with Sago and Syrup
Taho is soft tofu (sometimes called silken tofu) that’s sweetened with brown sugar syrup and topped with sago or tapioca pearls. It’s a popular breakfast treat in the Philippines but it’s also served as a snack and dessert.
Recipe & Image: The Unlikely Baker
Vegan Peanut Butter Pie
This no-bake dessert recipe for Vegan Peanut Butter Pie with Tofu is so delicious and creamy. Nobody will ever believe it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and made using silken tofu!
Recipe & Image: Clean Eating Kitchen
Dips & Sauces
Because of its smooth texture, silken tofu can be used to create high-protein, dairy-free salad dressings, dips and sauces.
Vegan Kiwi Onion Dip
Silken Tofu is one of the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious creamy vegan French onion dip-perfect for crisps and crackers.
Recipe & Image: My Kids Lick The Bowl
Vegan Buffalo Queso
Looking to add a kick to your wraps, sandwiches, pastas, and more? Then you'll love this dairy-free buffalo queso! Made with the creamy power of tofu and cashews, this recipe comes together in just a few minutes.
Recipe & Image: World Of Vegan
Tofu Chutney Recipe with Dill
Dip veggies, pour on salads or enjoy as a sauce, this 5-minute vegan tofu chutney recipe is like nothing you've tried before. Healthy, plant-powered and Desi~licious - It's easy to see why!
Recipe & Image: Desi~licious
Vegan Mayo
This creamy and luscious tofu mayo is made from silken tofu! A must-have condiment to have in hand, you can use it in any place that calls for mayo.
Recipe & Image: My Plantiful Cooking
Spinach Artichoke Dip (vegan)
This creamy and flavorful vegan spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing warm, baked appetizer that will satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike!
Recipe & Image: Watch Learn Eat
