15 Silken Tofu Recipes (2024)

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This collection of Silken Tofu Recipes includes everything from chocolate mousse pie to cream cheese. There are so many delicious recipes that can be created with this versatile vegan food. The options are endless!

Oftentimes, people have told me that they want to like tofu, but they just don’t know what to do with it. Many folks don’t realize that there are different types of tofu that can be used in a variety of dishes. This article, Easy Vegan Tofu Recipes, explains the differences and which recipes work best with each variety.

Contrary to popular belief, tofu is not scary. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty easy to learn How to Cook With Tofu, and it can be made into just about anything. Let me show you what I mean.

What is silken tofu?

There are two main types of tofu–silken and regular. Silken tofu is often called soft tofu or Japanese-style tofu. It has a more delicate texture andwill fall apart if not handled carefully.

This type of tofu is sometimes packaged in aseptic, or shelf-stable, boxes that do not require refrigeration. It is excellent to keep on hand since there is no requirement to use it quickly. It is also packed in very little water and doesn’t need to be drained or pressed for many recipes, unlike regular tofu.

Silken tofu can also be found in the refrigerator section of many grocery stores beside regular firm Chinese-style tofu. Just be sure to read the packages of the cold tofu well and make sure to choose the soft variety for the following recipes.

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (3)

Both silken and regular tofu can be found in soft, medium, firm, and extra-firm consistencies. They are made with the same ingredients, but they are processed slightly differently and with different amounts of water.

Firm and extra-firm tofu do well in stir-fries and baked tofu, while silken tofu is much softer and is best used in recipes for sauces and creamy desserts.

Is tofu healthy?

Tofu is very healthy and contains protein, iron, fiber, and a host of other antioxidants and phytonutrients. Only 4 ounces of tofu contains as much calcium as one cup of milk. It is relatively low in fat and contains no cholesterol or dairy.

Asian countries that consume the most tofu and soy products traditionally have the lowest rates of cancer and heart disease. Soy has been found to have many nutritional benefits, so we include it as often as possible.

What can you make with silken tofu?

There are so many dishes that can be made with silken tofu. Everything from desserts to sauces and dressings. It has such a soft texture that it lends itself well to creamy recipes.

Desserts

One of my favorite ways to use silken tofu is in desserts. In the list below you’ll find recipes for a few of my favorites. When I take these desserts to social functions, no one ever knows they are made with tofu.

  • Tofu Chocolate Pie
  • Carrot Cake with Frosting
  • Vegan Lime Cake
  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Fruit Lime Sauce

Dips & salad dressings

Creamy vegan dips are always a great option for using tofu. The tofu provides a lighter, lower-fat option as opposed to traditional dips made with oil and fat.

  • French Onion Dip
  • Spinach Dip
  • Chipotle Dressing
  • Ranch Dressing

Condiments

Amazingly, silken tofu can be made into various vegan condiments as well. Check out these delicious options that add so much flavor to other recipes and dishes.

  • Vegan Mayo
  • Sour Cream
  • Cashew Cream Cheese
  • Tzatziki Cucumber Sauce

Sides & main dishes

While this category has fewer options, it contains some delicious recipes that incorporate silken tofu into more hearty dishes as an ingredient.

  • Mushroom Stroganoff
  • Broccoli Salad
  • Cream Coleslaw

Be sure to check out mySimple Silken Tofu Recipes pagefor more great ideas!

For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!

Can I eat silken tofu?

Silken tofu is safe and can be eaten right out of the container, just be sure to drain the water from it first. It has a very bland taste on its own, so it is better when incorporated into recipes like the ones below.

Can silken tofu be cooked?

Since silken tofu doesn’t have to be cooked, it can be served cold, at room temperature, or heated. Season it with a little soy sauce and eat it right out of the container, or drop it into soups like this 20-Minute Miso Soup.

Cooking it in dishes like Tofu Breakfast Scramble and Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry is also a deliciously healthy option.

*Originally published December 13, 2018

This post may contain affiliate links.Read my full disclosure here.

Simple Silken Tofu Recipes

Let us inspire you with a few of our favorite silken tofu recipes that are so delicious your family won't even realize they are eating it! Click on each of the photos, recipe titles, or 'Get the Recipe' buttons to see full recipes with ingredients, measurements, instructions, and a print button.

Ridiculously easy to make, this Vegan Cream Cheese is fabulous smeared on bagels, muffins, crackers, or celery sticks. Deliciously simple for breakfast and snacks!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (8)

Tzatziki Cucumber Sauce

This healthier, lower-fat version of tzatziki sauce is super simple to make and delicious on everything from salads and grilled veggies to its traditional use as a dip for falafels and other Greek foods.

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (9)

Total Time 15 minutes Yield 8 servings

Chocolate Vegan No-Bake Pie

This vegan chocolate pie recipe can be made in less than 15 minutes flat, with only 5 ingredients that you're likely to already have on-hand. And it's so unbelievably creamy and sweet!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (10)

Total Time 5 minutes Yield 32 Tbsp

Low-Fat Vegan Mayonnaise

I am from the Carolina's where potato salad, cole slaw, and tomato sandwiches are necessary meal staples. This was a real issue for me after switching to a plant-based lifestyle, because you know what all these foods require right? Mayonnaise!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (11)

Total Time 15 minutes Yield 4 servings

Chocolate Mousse

This vegan chocolate mousse can be made in less than 15 minutes flat, with only 4 ingredients that you're likely to already have on-hand. And it's so unbelievably creamy and sweet!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (12)

Total Time 50 minutes Yield 8 servings

Glazed Vegan Carrot Cake

Incredibly moist and packed with grated carrots, this secretly healthier version of Vegan Carrot Cake guarantees you will never miss the extra calories.

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (13)

Total Time 15 minutes Yield 5 servings

Chipotle Sauce Vegan

This smoky, savory, and creamy vegan chipotle sauce is the perfect match for bean burgers, veggie hoagies, baked fries, and SO MUCH MORE!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (14)

Total Time 20 minutes Yield 10 servings

Lime Fruit Sauce

This lime fruit sauce is bursting with flavor and perfectly delicious on fresh fruit, salads, and anything else you can think of.

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (15)

Total Time 15 minutes Yield 8

Vegan Ranch Dressing

Easy vegan ranch dressing recipe. Creamy and cool, this is an excellent salad dressing or dip for piles of veggies!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (16)

Total Time 5 minutes Yield 8 servings

5-Minute Vegan Sour Cream

I was skeptical about dairy-free sour cream because I had always loved the dairy-version, but this tofu vegan sour cream recipe is surprisingly delicious! Creamy and tangy wonderfulness!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (17)

Total Time 30 minutes Yield 8 servings

Vegan French Onion Dip

You know how you thought French onion dip was out of your life forever? Well, think again! This version is not only vegan, but also low-fat. Caramelized onions are what gives this dip the sweetest flavor.

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (18)

Total Time 40 minutes Yield 4 servings

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

This creamyvegan stroganoff has a savorymushroomflavor that will remind you of the rich and scrumptious stroganoff recipes you grew up with. Now satisfy your pasta cravings without the guilt!

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (19)

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

This Vegan Broccoli Salad is so creamy and light that even broccoli haters will like it. Broccoli slaw salad lovers will never realize it has a fraction of the fat and calories of the traditional recipe they are used to.

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (20)

Healthy Vegan Coleslaw

This Vegan Coleslaw makes a perfect side dish option for cookouts and potlucks and can be ready in less than 15-minutes. The healthy oil-free dressing is what really sets this recipe apart.

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (21)

Total Time 20 minutes Yield 2 cups

Vegan Spinach Dip

This vegan spinach dip recipe can be made in minutes and used as a dip with fresh vegetables or served on crusty bread or crackers.

About Terri Edwards

Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…

15 Silken Tofu Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I use silken tofu for? ›

Once you've got your silken tofu, here are five ways to put it to use.
  • Make it into a creamy sauce. ...
  • Fry it. ...
  • Slip into soup. ...
  • Top it with something punchy. ...
  • Make it into dessert.
Feb 10, 2021

How much silken tofu for 3 eggs? ›

To make an egg replacement out of silken tofu, just take 1/4 cup of tofu per 1 whole egg and pulse it in a blender or food processor until it's broken up.

Does silken tofu need to be refrigerated? ›

If you purchased the silken tofu in the refrigerated section, refrigerate and use by the date stamped on the package. If you purchased a shelf stable silken tofu that does not require refrigeration, store it in a cool, dry place like your pantry and use by the date indicated.

Do you need to cook silken tofu before eating? ›

Tofu can be eaten raw, and so cooking it is completely optional and is mostly done for texture or to bind the sauce to the tofu. You can pan-sear the sides and add it to a colorful stir-fry or deep-fry it and coat it in a savory and sweet sauce.

Can you eat silken tofu straight? ›

While tofu comes in a variety of textures — silken, firm, and extra firm — technically any of them can be eaten raw. Before enjoying raw tofu, drain off any excess liquid from the packaging. It's also important to store tofu properly to prevent germs from growing on any unused portions.

Can you eat too much silken tofu? ›

Eating tofu and other soy foods every day is generally considered safe. That said, you may want to moderate your intake if you have: Breast tumors: Because of tofu's weak hormonal effects, some doctors suggest that people with estrogen-sensitive breast tumors limit their soy intake.

How much silken tofu for 1 egg? ›

To replace 1 egg, substitute 1/4 cup (about 60 g) of puréed, silken tofu. Silken tofu is relatively flavorless, but it can make baked goods dense and heavy, so it's best used in brownies, cookies, quick breads, and cakes.

What happens when you fry silken tofu? ›

Frying silken tofu adds a golden crispy exterior while maintaining its soft and silky interior. This cooking method enhances the tofu's flavor and gives it a delightful texture. It also allows you to create a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to tofu nuggets or even crispy tofu sandwiches.

How much silken tofu per person? ›

A general guideline for a serving size of tofu is about 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 113 grams) per person. This serving size would provide around 10 to 13 grams of protein, which is a similar amount of protein found in 3 ounces of meat.

Can you freeze silken tofu? ›

For anyone asking: “Can you freeze tofu?”, the answer is a big yes! Freezing tofu helps lengthen its shelf-life and enhances the soy-based protein's texture. Just be sure to freeze uncooked tofu and take it out of the original packaging first.

Is soft tofu the same as silken tofu? ›

Silken tofu also called soft, silk, or Japanese-style tofu has a softer consistency than regular tofu and will fall apart if not handled carefully. You may notice that silken tofu (soft tofu), unlike regular tofu, is sometimes packaged in aseptic boxes that do not require refrigeration.

How long does silken tofu last once opened? ›

Refrigerate any unused portions promptly in an airtight container and use within 2-3 days maximum. You should not cover Mori-Nu Silken Tofu with water. As a source of protein, tofu is highly perishable once removed from the airtight package.

How do you know when silken tofu is cooked? ›

Here are some signs to look out for:
  1. Texture: Cooked tofu should have a firm and slightly springy texture. ...
  2. Color: Depending on the type of tofu, it may change color when cooked. ...
  3. Crispness: If you're pan-frying or baking tofu, a desirable characteristic is a crisp exterior. ...
  4. Taste: Give the tofu a taste test.
Sep 30, 2019

Which tofu is best for weight loss? ›

3.5 oz of firm tofu has 78 calories, and silken tofu has 55 calories. Soft soy tofu with lecithin is ranked second with 61 Calories, but all of those are less than many animal protein options, which usually clock in at 140-200 calories for 3.5-oz servings.

What goes well with tofu? ›

There's lot of different sides that go well with tofu. Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls.

Is Silken tofu healthier than regular tofu? ›

Tofu Nutrition

For relatively similar serving sizes, the nutrition differences between silken and firm tofu are pretty big. Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.

What is special about silken tofu? ›

Silken tofu is the next most common tofu style. It's made in a similar process to block tofu, except that the soy milk is coagulated without curdling the milk. It's also left unpressed, so every cake retains all of its moisture while cooling.

What is the difference between tofu and silken tofu? ›

The texture is determined by the water content in the tofu. The more water, the softer or 'silkier' the tofu; with less water, the tofu is firmer. Tofu is categorized as silken, regular, firm, extra-firm and super-firm. Silken, the softest type of tofu, can be compared to a young white cheese.

Can I pan fry silken tofu? ›

Yes, you can fry silken tofu in a non-stick pan. Non-stick pans are a great choice because they require less oil for frying and help prevent sticking. Just make sure the pan is adequately heated before adding the tofu to ensure a crispy texture.

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