30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (2024)

Published: by Jim Mee Sha · This post may contain affiliate links

Wondering what to do with silken tofu? Check out these 30 amazing vegan recipes featuring this amazing ingredient! You can find everything from breakfast and main dishes to desserts.

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (1)

Whether if you are a long-time vegan or newbie to tofu, you definitely want to give silken tofu a shot! Due to its unique silky smooth texture, you can make some amazing dishes using it.

Jump to:
  • 🤷‍♂️What is silken tofu, exactly?
  • 🤔What is it good for
  • ❔Commonly asked questions
  • 🥞Breakfast
  • 🍝Main dishes
  • 🍨Desserts
  • 🥗Dips, sauces and sides
  • 🍽More recipe round-ups

🤷‍♂️What is silken tofu, exactly?

All kinds of tofu, from extra-firm to silken, are essentially made from soy milk that has been coagulated, quite similar to the process of making cheese. The only difference between them is their water content. And you guessed it - silken tofu has the highest water content among all tofu. As a result, silken tofu has a soft, custard-like texture, and break apart really easily.

Silken tofu also comes in many different variety, from firm to soft with varying firmness. As the difference between them is pretty miniscule, you can use them interchangeably, unless it is specified by the recipe.

Where can I buy it?

You can find silken tofu in most well-stocked groceries and will usually find it alongside other types of tofu in the refrigerated section. As some brands of silken tofu are packed in aseptic packages, you might also find them in the Asian section or in the dairy aisle.

Your next best bet is your local Asian grocery store. If you still have no luck finding them, you can order them online through Amazon!

🤔What is it good for

Silken tofu is a pretty common ingredient used in Asian dishes. They are usually added to soups and used in braising.

Due to its silky smooth texture, it is also a really popular ingredient in vegan cooking, especially to make desserts like cheesecakes and mousse. Other than that, its creamy texture also makes them a perfect base for various sauces and dips. You might also find some creative main dishes featuring this super versatile ingredient!

❔Commonly asked questions

Is it same as soft tofu?

Silken tofu and soft tofu are two different things, but they have a similar texture and consistency. The main difference between them is that soft tofu has a coarser texture when compared to silken.

In a pinch, you can replace one for the other, but do bear in mind that the texture and mouthfeel of the end product might be slightly different.

Can I eat it raw?

Silken tofu is safe eaten raw, as it is made from cooked soy milk. Do drain it properly before consuming.

Can I use silken and regular tofu interchangeably?

As the water content and consistency of regular and silken tofu is vastly different, it is not recommended to substitute one for another. This is especially true in stir-fries or baking, as silken tofu do not hold its shape well and will crumble really easily.

Can it be baked or fried?

As silken tofu is extremely delicate and falls apart easily, it is not suitable for baking or frying. It will pretty much turn into mush in the cooking process! Stick to extra-firm or firm tofu instead.

Ok, that should cover all bases of everything you need to know about silken tofu. Now, on to the recipes!

🥞Breakfast

Silken Tofu Scramble

Start your day off with some amazing silken tofu scramble! It is creamy, flavorful, and has a texture that perfectly mimics that of soft scrambled eggs. This quick and easy recipe can be made in 15 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (2)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (3)

Vegan French Toast Casserole with Peach Preserves

This sweet and decadent French toast casserole has a perfectly crispy exterior and is moist and soft on the insides. Easy to make, and only 12 ingredients required. It is topped of with some fruity peach preserve!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (4)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (5)

Tofu Pancakes

Make yourself some soft and fluffy pancakes with silken tofu! These pancakes are quick to make and are ready in 20 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (6)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (7)

Strawberry Cheesecake Breakfast Bowl

Who doesn't love having dessert for breakfast?? This silky and creamy strawberry cheesecake breakfast bowl not only taste good, but is also a great high protein recipe that will keep you full until lunchtime!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (8)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (9)

Vegan Omelette

If you love savory breakfasts, give this vegan omelette a try! It is savory, filling and hearty, and no one will guess that this is secretly vegan.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (10)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (11)

Vegan Quiche

Rich, cheesy and packed full of flavors, this vegan quiche makes the perfect high-protein breakfast to fuel your mornings. This recipe is super versatile and customizable, so feel free to throw in some of your favorite add-ins!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (12)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (13)

🍝Main dishes

One Pot Vegan Baked Feta Pasta

One pot and 30 minutes is all you need to make this amazing feta pasta! It is creamy and comforting, yet healthy at the same time.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (14)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (15)

Vegan Carbonara

It is definitely possible to make carbonara without cream or milk, and this particular recipe uses silken tofu for the sauce! This amazing pasta dish is topped off with some crisp fried tofu bits.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (16)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (17)

Creamy Tomato Tofu Pasta

Silky and rich, this vegan version of creamy tomato pasta will definitely leave you wanting for more! Super quick to throw together, making it a great midweek dinner to have.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (18)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (19)

Vegan Wild Rice Casserole

This dairy-free and vegan version of wild rice casserole taste alarming similar to the traditional ones! This casserole will definitely please both vegans and omnivores.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (20)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (21)

Vegan Mac and Cheese

This rich and cheesy mac and cheese is vegan, dairy free and healthy! A delicious way to sneak in extra nutrients and fiber.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (22)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (23)

Creamy Vegan Garlic Pasta

Add this flavorful garlicky vegan pasta to your weekly meal rotation! It is a great quick meal to make for weeknight dinners, and the sauce can even be prep ahead of time too!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (24)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (25)

Vegan Mapo Tofu

This incredible vegan version of mapo tofu use mushrooms in place of ground pork to give it a boost of umami! This Chinese dish is bold in flavor, spicy and savory.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (26)

🍨Desserts

Vegan Tofu Chocolate Protein Mousse (no cream)

Silky and creamy, this vegan chocolate protein mousse is made from silken tofu! Only 4 ingredients needed, and is made without cream or eggs. This healthy treat is ready in 5 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (28)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (29)

Instant Pot Tofu Pudding

This soft and creamy tofu pudding is incredibly warming and comforting to have! It is topped with a perfectly spiced ginger syrup and is a great after dinner sweet treat.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (30)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (31)

Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cake

This delectable yet not overly sweet vegan chocolate mousse cake makes a great wholesome treat that will satisfy any of your chocolate cravings! It is also a great source of plant based protein.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (32)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (33)

Vegan Key Lime Pie

This perfectly tart key lime pie is not only vegan, but also low in sugar and oil-free too! Plus, it is foolproof and is ready in 15 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (34)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (35)

Vegan Baked New York Cheesecake

This vegan version of baked cheesecakes features crispy, buttery homemade crust with a creamy, rich filling. It is just as good as the traditional ones!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (36)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (37)

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

This eggless and dairy-free version of pumpkin cheesecake is perfect for the holidays! This indulgent treat is easy to whip up and can even be made gluten-free.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (38)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (39)

Vegan Tiramisu

This effortless foolproof vegan tiramisu only requires 5 ingredients and is ready in no time. A no bake-dessert is seriously super addictive and tasty!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (40)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (41)

Vegan Gluten-free Chocolate Brownies

Gooey, rich and fudgy, these chocolate brownies are healthy and naturally sweetened with dates! A great lighten-up dessert that actually taste good at the same time.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (42)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (43)

🥗Dips, sauces and sides

Spicy Indian Tofu Red Quinoa Salad (Instant pot and Stovetop)

Flavorful and refreshing, this spicy Indian red quinoa salad is paired with crispy tofu and a delicious zesty curry dressing! Both instructions for cooking quinoa in Instant pot and on stovetop included. Ready in 30 minutes and only simple wholesome ingredients needed.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (44)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (45)

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Creamy and cheesy, this spinach artichoke dip is definitely a crowd pleaser! Can be paired with raw veggies, crackers or tortilla chips.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (46)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (47)

Silken Tofu with Onion and Garlic

This classic Chinese dish features silky tofu with a salty and rich sauce topped with onion and garlic. A simple side dish that pairs beautifully with some freshly steamed rice.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (48)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (49)

Vegan Tofu Mayo

This better than store-bought vegan mayo is definitely a must have staple in every pantry! Super easy to whip up and ready in 5 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (50)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (51)

Miso Japanese Clear Soup

Umami and flavorful, this Japanese miso soup is packed full of nutrients and protein. This warming and comforting soup is ready in 15 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (52)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (53)

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad

This bright and aesthetic brussels sprout salad makes a great healthy side dish. It stores well and is meal prep friendly, too!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (54)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (55)

Vegan Sour Cream

Make yourself some healthy sour cream that is vegan and free from dairy and nuts! All you need is 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make this delicious condiment.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (56)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (57)

Silken Tofu Salad

Light and refreshing, this silken tofu salad is equally great as a side dish or light lunch! It is paired with a zingy Asian dressing.

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (58)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (59)

Vegan Ranch Dressing

This low calories high protein ranch dressing is made from silken tofu. Zesty and creamy, this dressing makes any salads taste great!

Check out this recipe

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (60)

30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (61)

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I hope you find this post helpful and informative! If you do try any one of these recipes or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you.🙂

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30 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can you 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

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.

Does silken tofu need to be cooked? ›

Serve it 'uncooked' (Hiyayakko) Silken tofu doesn't require additional cooking, as it's already been cooked during the tofu-making process. In fact, consuming “uncooked” silken tofu is a traditional way of enjoying this ingredient in Japan.

Is extra soft tofu the same as silken tofu? ›

Regular Tofu

Soft tofu has the least amount of water pressed out, while super-firm has a low moisture content and a dense texture. Soft tofu: Soft tofu is the Chinese-style equivalent of silken tofu. It is slightly less smooth but can be used in the same way as silken tofu.

Can you eat silken tofu straight? ›

How to safely eat raw tofu. 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 do you eat silken tofu? ›

The silken tofu dish can be enjoyed cold or hot. To enjoy cold, simply pour the sauce over the tofu, top with the reserved green parts of the scallions, and serve! If you prefer to enjoy the dish hot, you can easily heat the tofu by microwaving it for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can steam the tofu for 5 minutes.

Can you fry silken tofu? ›

Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan or deep fryer. Deep fry the silken tofu in cooking oil for about 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain off the excess oil and transfer the tofu to a plate. Add more salt on top when it's still crispy and garnish with cilantro.

Does silken tofu need to be refrigerated? ›

You may notice that silken tofu (soft tofu), unlike regular tofu, is sometimes packaged in aseptic boxes that do not require refrigeration. Due to this, silken tofu is sometimes sold in a different section of grocery stores than regular tofu, which is packed in water and requires refrigeration.

Why does my silken tofu taste sour? ›

Tofu that has gone bad also tends to be slimy and have a sour or rotten odor – fresh tofu has no odor. If you find any of these signs of spoilage, toss the tofu. Bottom Line: Even though tofu is a plant-based food, it can still spoil and should be handled with care.

How long is silken tofu good for? ›

How long can i keep mori-nu silken tofu after opening the box? 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.

What happens when you blend silken tofu? ›

When silken tofu is blended, it becomes silky and smooth and makes the perfect protein-packed pasta sauce. Onion and Garlic: Diced onion and garlic are sautéed until soft and start to brown. Then, they are blended into the sauce to add depth of flavor.

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.

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.

Can you turn soft tofu into firm? ›

Boiling tofu for texture and firmness

The act of adding tofu to salted hot water for a time and then removing it to drain and dry firms up the texture.

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.

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