There are so many reasons to love silken tofu: this plant protein is a versatile ingredient with a pleasant, mild flavor, easy to cook with, and budget-friendly. As a professionally trained chef, I've thoughtfully reviewed over a dozen soft tofu recipes that are delicious and easy to make for a snack, side dish, or simple entree.
These dishes use silken tofu in several different forms - from quick snacks to comforting dinners, and even dessert, you are sure to find a new favorite dish (or two!) in this roundup of silken tofu recipes. I've organized this lineup of recipes made by chefs and recipe developers with extensive experience with Asian cuisines, and also list why you might like each recipe.
jump to:
- ✨ 3 little-known silken tofu cooking tips from a chef
- 🍱 what to make with silken tofu?
- 🥗 5 easy savory recipes - ready in 15 minutes or less
- 🍜 5 cozy tofu soup recipes
- 🍲 7 flavorful main dishes
- 🍮 favorite dessert made with silken tofu
- 🍲 featured equipment and seasonings
- ❄️ storage
- 💭 FAQs
- 💭 final thoughts
- 🥬 east asian vegetable recipe pairings
- 💬 reviews + comments
✨ 3 little-known silken tofu cooking tips from a chef
After years of cooking with tofu, I've developed tips to help make perfect dishes every time.
- for stir-fries - Briefly steep or simmer silken tofu in salted hot water first to help it hold its shape and add flavor. This step will take your cooked tofu dish to the next level!
- easy removal - After draining the package, cut small corner slits, invert it over a plate or your open palm (I like to do this over the sink), and let it slide out.
- shelf-stable option - Most blocks of tofu are found in the refrigerated grocery section, but you can also find shelf-stable ones (*paid affiliate link) in the pantry section at some Asian markets.
For full details and more pro tips, check out my upcoming Chef's Tofu Guide.
See my chef's tips for cooking with firm tofu in these opo squash soup and Taiwanese-style braised tofu recipes.
🍱 what to make with silken tofu?
Silken/soft tofu can be cooked or served uncooked, chilled, or at room temperature with sauce (as you'll see with some of the recipes). Whatever you are craving, there's a recipe for that!
- savory dishes - Add tofu to soups and stews, or serve with flavorful sauces. Or they can be fried (even in an air-fryer!), then braised or stir-fried. Note that soft tofu can be braised after the crucial step I mentioned in the above tips.
- sweet treats - add chunks of silken tofu directly to parfaits, or blend to make pudding-like desserts.
- and more - because it's so mild in flavor and has such a smooth texture, it can be blended and used in breadmaking, sauces, and smoothies for added protein.
Browse away or jump straight to the section you're interested in:
🥗 5 easy savory recipes - ready in 15 minutes or less
I call this the "15 minute or less" section, and most of these recipes are actually ready in just 5-10 minutes! Perfect for a fast and nearly effortless meal on even a busy day.
Drawing from my training as a chef, I've gone through each recipe and noted what makes it worth trying - clearly listed in bullet points so you can easily pick what appeals to you.
1. silken tofu with 3 simple toppings
This one recipe shows you how to make 3 traditional Asian-style sauces to add deep, vibrant flavors to a block of silken tofu: Chinese-style mala chili crisp sauce, Taiwanese-style with a century-egg, and Japanese-style pickled mustard tuber and chili oil.
why you'll love this recipe
- it's a super quick recipe - each sauce takes a total of 5 minutes to prepare, and do not require any cooking!
- balance in flavor and texture - savory toppings like zha cai (pickled mustard stems, 榨菜) introduce a burst of flavor to creamy and mild tofu.
- all three toppings are 💚 vegetarian - the Chinese and Japanese-style sauces are also vegan.
2. delicious tofu smoothie with black sesame
This creamy, flavorful, lightly sweet smoothie will have you tipping the cup for every last sip!
why you'll love this recipe
- delicious and nourishing - I developed this recipe with my dietitian and chef hat on, so you get a drink that's both flavorful and nourishing. I'm very particular about my smoothies, and this one is in regular rotation.
- easy to customize - change things up and make this silken tofu smoothie recipe your own by adding tasty additions like peanut butter and/or fruit.
- 🌱 vegan recipe - I use oat milk (or soy milk) to make smoothies that are rich, creamy, and totally plant-based.
3. century egg tofu
You'll find this incredibly flavorful dish at many food stalls and restaurants in Taiwan, but it's harder to find in the States. Luckily, silken tofu with a century egg is actually easy to make at home!
why you'll love this recipe
- amazing depth - the combination of unique umami flavors from the century egg, sesame oil, and soy paste plays beautifully with one another, so not just one is overpowering the dish.
- versatile dish - I make this as a quick and easy snack, appetizer, or side dish!
- 💚 vegetarian - no meat is involved, but the egg and tofu still pack an impressive amount of protein.
4. umami-rich tomato tofu salad
The creaminess and mild flavor of silken tofu paired with fresh, firm yet juicy tomatoes is something you must experience for yourself!
why you'll love this recipe
- 5 ingredients - all are easy to find at your local Asian market.
- flavorful and refreshing - there's no cooking required, and you can briefly chill the tomato mixture before adding to silken tofu cubes for a fabulous summer dish.
- 🌱 vegan recipe - here's another plant-based recipe that's brimming with umami flavors.
5. silken tofu salad with umeboshi dressing
This rustic salad includes cubed cold tofu and fresh produce - but what really steals the show is a sweet, tangy/sour and umami ume plum vinegar (aka umeboshi vinegar) and sesame oil dressing you'll want to drizzle on everything!
why you'll love this recipe
- quick no-cook dish - chop up this salad in just 15 minutes and 7 simple, super refreshing ingredients.
- perfect starter or light meal - this flavorful salad makes a perfect starter or light meal. Pair it with soba or cold noodles for lunch or dinner.
- satisfying 🌱 vegan salad - while the ingredients by themselves are light, together the combination of silken tofu, cucumber, tomato, and avocado makes a satisfying snack.
🍜 5 cozy tofu soup recipes
Silky soft tofu adds just the right touch of texture and protein to broth-based soups, without overpowering the main flavors of the dish. Here are some of my favorite classic and Asian-inspired soup recipes that feature generous bite-sized pieces of tofu, with both meaty and vegetarian options to fit diverse preferences.
1. taiwanese hotpot
I'm highlighting a comprehensive Taiwanese hotpot recipe that's easy to make with your favorite ingredients, including silky soft tofu... And a large pot, of course!
why you'll love this recipe
- easy recipe - the only real effort here is prepping the fresh produce and broth. Then everyone cooks and eats together! Items take less than a few minutes to cook, so it's fun to eat as you cook.
- step-by-step guide - my recipe includes a detailed guide with instructions on how to make the broth, prep, and layer the ingredients to make the most flavorful soup.
- family-friendly meal - set the hot pot with broth in the center of the table and make the dish together with everyone adding their favorite ingredients.
- easy to customize - the recipe goes over different types of soup bases, proteins, and dipping sauces so that you can make it vegetarian, vegan, and/or gluten-free.
2. simple miso soup
Miso soup is an incredibly popular starter served at Japanese restaurants in Japan, the States, and around the world. But there's no need to leave the house once you realize how easy it is to make from scratch in as little as 20 minutes!
why you'll love this recipe
- great to customize - add your favorite seasonal vegetables and seafood if you'd like! I show you how to prep optional ingredients like daikon and enoki mushrooms to add even more variety of tastes and textures.
- short cut recipe - This recipe uses dashi granules instead of homemade dashi to cut down on a step. Plus, I show you the exact ones I use on the regular.
- 🐟 pescatarian recipe - For a flavor like most restaurant versions, I recommend using bonito dashi made with fish. For an equally delicious vegetarian/vegan option, konbu (seaweed)-based dashi also makes a great base! I show you both options in this recipe.
3. tuna sundubu jjigae (Korean silken tofu soup)
Sundubu jjigae is known for being spicy and delicious, and is typically made with fresh veggies and clams. But this one is even easier and more wallet-friendly thanks to one simple swap!
why you'll love this recipe
- 10-minute masterpiece - the soup requires minimal prep and is terrific to keep in your back pocket for quick weeknight meals.
- best types of hot - spicy food fans will love the combination of fiery ingredients in a warm, cozy soup.
- budget-friendly 🐟 pescatarian - this recipe swaps clams with canned tuna, and is a protein powerhouse with the addition of tofu - add an optional egg on top, if you like.
4. vegan sundubu jjigae
While this recipe is totally plant-based and gluten-free, it has the same deep spicy flavors as a classic sundubu jjigae - so even meat eaters will love it!
why you'll love this recipe
- cheap, quick, and easy - this recipe cuts out any expensive seafood, prep is a snap, and the soup is ready to serve in as little as 20 minutes. All wins!
- spicy and bright - you won't miss the meat when all of the focus is on the fiery, bold, and delicious broth made with Korean chili flakes and kimchi.
- 🌱 vegetarian and/or vegan - this version is vegan, but you can add an egg to the soup for a vegetarian recipe.
5. simple vegetarian tofu soup
Every cook needs a quick and simple veggie soup recipe, and this one is great to have in your back pocket for busy days!
why you'll love this recipe
- versatile - the brilliance of this recipe is its simplicity, which allows you to customize the soup with all kinds of veggies and sauces.
- instant pot or stovetop - even though this recipe uses an instant pot, I honestly think you could make it even quicker on stovetop (no waiting for the instant pot to come to pressure).
- 💚 vegetarian - this soup is light yet cozy, with plenty of protein from the silken tofu.
🍲 7 flavorful main dishes
From deeply savory to spicy, tangy, and lightly sweet, these recipes pack bold, satisfying flavors. here are several recipes that each offer a symphony of flavors!
Most are rustic and comforting, and simple enough for everyday cooking. Give them a try, and you might just add them to your regular menu rotation.
1. chinese-style mapo tofu
Fans of umami-rich and spicy foods will fall in love with this Chinese-style tofu dish made with pork, Sichuan peppercorns, and doubanjiang - a fermented bean paste that packs major umami.
why you'll love this recipe
- exciting tastes and textures - the silken tofu soaks up all of the vibrant flavors of the tender ground pork and sauce, so every bite is intensely delicious.
- adjust the heat - there has to be *some* heat to be a true mapo tofu dish, but there are simple ways to intensify or lessen the spice level.
- my professional tip - I highly recommend simmering the cut tofu pieces in salted water for 1 minute before cooking them with the other ingredients in this dish (see this lesser-known chef's cooking tip above).
2. silken tofu with salted egg sauce
This simple yet flavorful dish of crispy tofu bites in a silky egg sauce is popular in casual Vietnamese restaurants, but can easily be made at home whenever you're craving Asian-style fried comfort food.
why you'll love this recipe
- rich and delicious - the recipe uses duck egg yolks and butter for a luscious sauce that beautifully coats the pieces of fried silken tofu.
- protein-packed 💚 vegetarian dish - you won't miss the meat with all of this umami-rich salty egg sauce and chunks of crispy tofu!
3. cheesy tofu gratin
A whisked silken tofu base makes this cheese and vegetable gratin recipe amazingly creamy and rich, without feeling too heavy.
why you'll love this recipe
- cheesy comfort food - the gratin is assembled in an oven-safe dish and baked until the cheese is bubbly golden brown.
- side or main dish - tofu gratin is hearty, so it's great to pair with lighter mains or side dishes.
- decadent 💚 vegetarian - you won't miss any meat thanks to the velvety tofu sauce and ooey-gooey melted cheese!
4. sichuan savory tofu pudding
The name doufunao can refer to any type of sweet or savory Chinese pudding made with creamy soft tofu and sauces... This Sichuan-style version is one of my favorites that's packed with big spicy, sour, and salty flavors!
why you'll love this recipe
- easy to customize - prepare this recipe with your favorite toppings and serve hot, room temperature, or cold.
- no-cook - besides heating up some water (and microwaving for a minute, for the hot version), there's no *real* cooking required.
- versatile 🌱 vegan recipe - this step-by-step recipe guide includes ideas for other variations of the pudding, including sweet and less spicy options.
5. sweet and spicy honey garlic tofu
The star of this recipe is the swicy (sweet and spicy) sauce! Featuring ingredients like Korean chili flakes, garlic, honey, and oyster sauce, it's got punches of flavor and is perfectly sticky.
why you'll love this recipe
- restaurant dish at home - crispy fried sweet and spicy tofu is a classic takeout item, but can be made at home for a fraction of the cost.
- great tastes and textures - the sauce is sticky, spicy, and sweet, while the tofu is crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a mild flavor that lets the sauce shine.
- 💚 vegetarian main dish - serve the tofu with rice or your favorite starchy sides for a filling meal without any meat.
6. miso noodle soup (plant-based)
This Japanese-style tofu soup is so hearty with thick noodles, mushrooms, and tofu, I had to include it!
why you'll love this recipe
- one-pot meal - everything gets cooked together on the stove for a quick lunch or dinner with few dishes to clean up.
- classic East Asian flavors - this recipe uses favorite kitchen staples like ginger, soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, umami-rich miso paste, and spicy gochugaru (red chilli flakes).
- 🌱 vegan - ready in under 30 minutes, miso soup with noodles is a quick and convenient plant-based meal that even meat eaters will enjoy.
7. flavorful steamed tofu
Give this easy silken tofu and veggies recipe a try, and you'll agree that steaming is a seriously underrated cooking method!
why you'll love this recipe
- perfectly simple - steaming makes the tofu warm while keeping its soft, smooth consistency and mild taste.
- savory saucy veggies - the steamed tofu, toothsome blanched broccoli, and stir-fried mushrooms and carrots are coated in an umami sauce that you'll want to lick off the plate.
- 🐟 pescatarian with vegan option - the umami-packed oyster sauce is made with shellfish, but you can use a vegan oyster-flavored sauce (*paid affiliate link) if you prefer.
🍮 favorite dessert made with silken tofu
Now that we've explored a dazzling variety of savory dishes made with soft tofu, I want to introduce you to one of my very favorite dessert recipes - Filipino taho (I grew up eating the Taiwanese version, called douhua)! What makes it the best, you ask? I'll tell you why...
taho (filipino tofu pudding)
This dessert is known as Filipino tofu pudding, but note that it's not the same pudding you usually find in Western cuisines. Those usually feature a creamy, thick, and smooth pudding made with cream/milk and egg yolks. Taho, on the other hand, features tofu and includes a lovely combination of ingredients like tapicoa pearls and brown sugar syrup!
why you'll love this recipe
- 5 ingredients - taho looks enticing and fancy layered in a glass, but it's super easy to make with only a handful of items from your local Asian market.
- layers of flavors and textures - the combo of chewy tapioca pearls with rich and silky tofu is so pleasing in the mouth!
- versatile sweet dish - while often served as dessert, Filipino pudding is light enough to even be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast.
- 🌱 vegan-friendly dessert - a rare find, this recipe is dairy-free and eggless!
🍲 featured equipment and seasonings
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we do make a small profit from your purchases (your price is not affected by this commission). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you click on an affiliate link, you consent to a cookie being placed on your browser for purposes of tracking commissions.
This is the soft tofu I love and use the most for flavor and texture. I also like this shelf-stable one (*affiliate link) for really delicate silken tofu.
You can find fresh tofu at local Asian markets or, if you're lucky, a place like Fong On in NYC.
These are a couple of my favorite kitchen tools and seasonings to use with silken and soft tofu dishes. Hopefully, you'll find them helpful too.
❄️ storage
Store any extra unseasoned silken tofu in a covered container filled with cold water, making sure the tofu is fully submerged. This way, it'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Unfortunately, I don't recommend freezing since it changes the texture of tofu. For firmer tofus, that could be a good thing (you can check out this opo squash soup with turkey and tofu meatballs to see how freezing creates a texture perfect for a meat substitution)!
💭 FAQs
For stir-fries and soups, medium-firm or firm tofu can often be used in place of silken tofu. But, when the texture of the tofu is the highlight of a dish that needs to have just the right creamy texture, it's best to stick with regular soft tofu as called for in the recipe.
In most cases, silken tofu and soft tofu can be used interchangeably. For some brands, silken tofu is labeled as "soft tofu." Sometimes, those labeled as silken tofu are more delicate and creamier in texture, which also means they will fall apart more easily when handling or cooking. Experiment with different brands to find the ones you like most.
💭 final thoughts
Now that I've taken you on a journey through 18 of the best silken tofu recipes, which dish will you try first?
Whether you choose to start at recipe number one and work your way down the list, or prefer to skip around to make different dishes as inspiration hits, you can come back to this list again and again!
I hope you enjoy making some of these recipes!
🥬 east asian vegetable recipe pairings
Looking for other recipes like this? Try an easy vegetable side dish to go along with your tofu dish!
- easiest yu choy recipe: 10-minute veggie stir-fry10 Minutes
- simple grilled bok choy10 Minutes
- Din Tai Fung cucumber salad recipe30 Minutes
- flavorful and easy taiwanese cabbage15 Minutes
If you make any of these recipes, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @thesoundofcooking. I would love to see what you make!
Happy cooking! ~ Cindy 周昀
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