Silken tofu is a high protein versatile ingredient that lends itself to both savory and sweet recipes. You can make anything from comforting soup recipes to sweet and luscious chocolate mousse. Explore these 30 silken tofu recipes that will excite your senses!
Jump to:
- What is Tofu?
- What is Silken Tofu?
- Silken Tofu vs. Firm Tofu: What’s the difference?
- Ways to Use Silken Tofu
- Health Benefits of Silken Tofu
- How to Serve
- Breakfast Recipes
- Smoothies
- Appetizers
- Sides and Sauces
- Main Dishes
- Desserts
- FAQS
- More Tofu Recipes and Tips!
What is Tofu?
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made from soybeans that are ground into water, heated, and coagulated with minerals, then the curds are pressed into a block. It is a vegan and vegetarian food that is high in protein and used in a variety of recipes. It comes in different levels including silken, regular, firm, and extra-firm. The type of firmness level you choose should be based on the type of recipe you choose to make. Tofu has a mild flavor that takes on the seasoning or flavorings that it is combined with.
What is Silken Tofu?
Silken tofu is a form of tofu that is soft and silky. It is made in a similar way as firm block tofu and uses the same ingredients. The main difference between the two is the process of making it. Silken tofu is coagulated without curdling the soy milk, while other types of tofu are coagulated with curdling the soy milk. The silky smooth texture of silken tofu lends itself well to dessert recipes, and smoothies, ice creams, and vegan cheesecakes. But it also works well in savory dishes where a creamy texture is desired, such as a silken tofu scramble or Korean Tofu Soup.
Silken Tofu vs. Firm Tofu: What’s the difference?
The texture of tofu is determined by its water content. The higher the water content, the softer the tofu. Silken tofu is the softest type so it has the highest water content, while extra-firm tofu has the least amount of water content.
Soft tofu crumbles easily. It does not need to be pressed. If you want clean slices, use a careful hand, as it falls apart easily. Regular tofu, firm tofu, and extra-firm tofu are very similar. It is best to press regular tofu to extract excess water. This helps the tofu absorb the flavors that are cooked, and also gives it a better more appetizing texture. Silken tofu is often packaged in aseptic boxes that don’t require refrigeration, while regular tofu is packaged in water and can be found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. When silken tofu is packaged in aseptic containers it can last for up to a year until opened. After it is opened it should be stored in water in the refrigerator for up to a week. Regular firm tofu has an expiration date on the package and should be used within that time.
Ways to Use Silken Tofu
- Salad Dressing
- Sauces
- Smoothies
- Vegan Cheesecake
- Vegan Mousse
- Soups
- Substitute for Dairy
- Vegan Eggs
- Vegan Casseroles
Health Benefits of Silken Tofu
Tofu has numerous health benefits including:
- Contains all of the essential amino acids to constitute a complete source of protein. A 100-gram serving contains 17 grams of protein.
- Rich in minerals such as calcium, manganese, copper, selenium, phosphorous, iron, and magnesium.
- Good source of vitamins such as vitamin A.
- Low in calories, a 100-gram serving contains 144 calories.
- Contains isoflavones which are responsible for many of the health benefits of tofu including reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
- It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
How to Serve
You can make your own silken tofu recipe, or buy at the store and serve it as a whole block as an appetizer or to be added to your main course. Serve your block topped with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and chili oil or sesame oil. Top with green onions.
Breakfast Recipes
1. Silken Tofu Scramble
With mixed vegetables this savory vegan breakfast pairs well with toast, and vegan bacon, or make it into a breakfast burrito! It’s healthy, protein-rich, and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Silken Tofu Scramble
2. Vegan Breakfast Casserole
This customizable vegan casserole is made with silken tofu and has a hash brown base and is filled with veggies.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Breakfast Casserole
3. Vegan French Toast Casserole
This vegan French toast casserole features cubes of bread in a sweet, creamy custard then baked until golden. It’s an easy, decadent brunch dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any weekend morning.
Get the Recipe: Vegan French Toast Casserole
4. Vegan Egg Bites
Vegan Egg Bites are a great way to add extra protein in a handy, portable snack. Made with Silken Tofu and chickpea flour, they are customizable and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Egg Bites
5. Vegan Dutch Baby
nspired by a classic Dutch baby but made healthier and vegan, this crispy and flaky baked vegan pancake is the ultimate weekend brunch! Maple strawberries get roasted at the sametime, making this an easy weekend brunch idea.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Dutch Baby
Smoothies
6. Chocolate Breakfast Shake
A smooth and creamy chocolate shake made with silken tofu and almond milk. It’s high in protein and made with whole foods.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Breakfast Shake
7. Berry Tofu Smoothie
This simple berry smoothie with tofu is sweetened with frozen berries and packed with protein with the addition of silken tofu.
Get the Recipe: Berry Tofu Smoothie
Appetizers
8. Vegan Pasta Frittata
Love your leftovers and make this vegan pasta frittata! Silken tofu makes the basis for this easy dish, which then adds whatever pasta and veggies you have leftover.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Frittata
9. Easy Miso Soup
Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup) Recipe makes a perfect nutritious umami-packed savory vegan lunch. Comforting, healthy, and ready in just 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Easy Miso Soup
10. Vegetarian Kimchi Soup
This Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae a.k.a. Korean Tofu Stew is sweet, spicy, tangy, and full of flavor! Enjoy this vegan stew with a bowl of rice on the side for a hearty meal. Ready in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kimchi Soup
Sides and Sauces
11. Vegan Potato Salad with Silken Tofu
This is seriously the best and healthiest vegan potato salad recipe that you will find! It uses silken tofu and cashews for a creamy dressing and is seasoned and spiced just right. Read more for the best potato salad!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Potato Salad with Silken Tofu
12. Vegan Watergate Salad
This vegan watergate salad is a remake of the classic pistachio-flavored jello pudding mix cool whip and fruit salad. The green fluff is made vegan with silken tofu and cashews. This veganized ambrosia salad has a little bit different twist with thecanned fruits and vegan marshmallows.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Watergate Salad
13. Orange Fluff Salad
Classic retro ambrosia orange fluff salad has been made vegan-friendly with silken tofu and cashews. Add vanilla pudding mix, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, vegan mini marshmallows, bananas, along with orange drink mix and you’ve got a classicfruit salad you remember from your childhood – but made suitable for vegans!
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad
14. Vegan Mayo
Homemade low-fat vegan mayo is simple to make and tastes better than store-bought. It is egg-free, almost oil-free, dairy-free, and a nut-free recipe you can make in less than 5 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mayo
Main Dishes
15. Silken Tofu Mac and Cheese
This silken tofu Mac and cheese tastes like Panera only it’s dairy-free!
Get the Recipe: Silken Tofu Mac and Cheese
16. Vegan Egg Mayo Sandwich
Vegan egg mayo is one of the easiest recipes out there! With no prep time needed, this recipe makes a perfect lunch in almost no time at all!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Egg Mayo Sandwich
17. Vegan Carbonara
This vegan carbonara puts silken tofu to use in one of the vest ways possible: to make a rich and creamy pasta sauce! As a bonus, this recipe is quick to make and packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Carbonara
18. Silken Tofu Tomato Pasta
This creamy vegan pasta has sneaky silken tofu for protein. It is easy to make and filling!
Get the Recipe: Silken Tofu Tomato Pasta
Desserts
19. Key Lime Mousse
This vegan key lime mousse recipe is for anyone who loves key lime pie, but cannot tolerate sweetened condensed milk. It’s dairy free, vegan, gluten free, and amazingly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Mousse
20. Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
This decadent chocolate pumpkin pie will surprise everyone this holiday season with its creamy texture and the combination of the spices of pumpkin pie with chocolate! It’s truly a winner, a piethat is perfect for any level cook, goes together easily, and bakes up perfectly delightful!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
21. Vegan Chocolate Mousse Tart
Vegan chocolate mousse tart made with less than 10 ingredients! The no-bake tart features a silky smooth tofu chocolate mousse, customizable crust and tangy layer of raspberry jam.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Mousse Tart
22. Vanilla Pudding
This easy vegan vanilla pudding is sweet and creamy and made with just a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Pudding
23. Vegan Chocolate Mousse
This yummy vegan chocolate mousse is made with silken tofu for its wonderfully creamy texture. With dark chocolate and nut butter for extra richness.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Mousse
24. 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 perfectfuss-free holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Pie
25. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft, chewy and flavorful vegan snickerdoodles. They’re made using silken tofu as an egg replacer, helping to give them their unique texture!
Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodle Cookies
26. Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
Silken tofu creates the ‘cheese’ for these vegan baked cheesecakes. They’re pretty, sweet, and rich, just like the original.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
27. Chocolate Cheesecake
The ultimate creamy and delicious vegan chocolate cheesecake. Made with silken tofu for a light smooth consistency.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake
28. Jericalla
Jericalla is a delicious Mexican dessert that sits somewhere between crème brûlèe and flan. Try this plant-based version for a quick, easy, and flavor-packed recipe. It just might become your new favorite treat!
Get the Recipe: Jericalla
29. Silken Tofu Orange Pudding
This orange pudding is a light and healthy dessert that everyone will enjoy. It is a quick and easy no-cook recipe perfect for summer or any time of the year that you can make in under 25 minutes
Get the Recipe: Silken Tofu Orange Pudding
30. Banana Tofu Pudding
This banana pudding uses tofu for creaminess and protein. It is so good and the perfect way to sneak in Tofu to a tofu hater.
Get the Recipe: Banana Tofu Pudding
FAQS
Is silken tofu good for you?
Yes, silken tofu is a healthy addition to your diet if you eat it in moderation. It has many health benefits such as high protein content, low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals, and reduces the risk of numerous chronic conditions. There have been concerns that tofu is related to breast tumors because of its minimal hormonal effects. Women who have estrogen-sensitive breast tumors should limit their tofu intake. You should also limit your tofu intake if you have thyroid concerns due to its goitrogen content.
Do you need to press silken tofu?
No, you do not need to press silken tofu like you do regular, firm, or extra-firm tofu. Silken tofu has a high water content, and it is meant to be soft and crumbly.
Can you eat silken tofu raw?
Yes, you can eat silken tofu raw. Be sure to drain any excess water from the packaging. Be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator after it has been opened from the package, and enjoy it within 7 days of opening.
Can you pan fry silken tofu?
Yes, you can pan-fry silken tofu. In order to properly pan-fry, drain the water from the package. Carefully slice, and place in a pan with heated oil. Fry on each side for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until golden brown.
More Tofu Recipes and Tips!
- Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sticky Teriyaki Sauce
- Vegan Orange Chicken with Tofu
- Szechuan Tofu and Eggplant
- How to Press Tofu: Everything You Need to Know
Please comment below if you found this article helpful or have any additional questions. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!
Resources
- Tofu Nutrients by Healthline
- Silken Tofu vs. Regular Tofu by The Spruce Eats
