These Silken Tofu Recipes really highlight the versatility of this humble, plant-based ingredient. From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, there's a recipe here for every craving and occasion. Browse through 27 delicious recipe ideas, save your favorites, and let us know in the comments which one you want to make first!
Silken tofu is truly one of my favorite ingredients because of its versatility and mild flavor. It works well in so many different types of recipes and is especially valuable when you're ditching dairy and eggs!
Read on to learn a bit more and find delicious vegan recipes to make with silken tofu!
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How is silken tofu different?
Silken tofu is a type of tofu that has a delicate and smooth texture, similar to custard or pudding. It's made from soy milk, just like other types of tofu, but it undergoes a different coagulation process.
Instead of being pressed and drained like firm or extra-firm tofu, silken tofu is coagulated directly in its container, which gives it a soft and silky consistency.
Because of the way it's made, silken tofu has a higher water content than other types of tofu: firm, extra firm, and super firm. Silken tofu is very fragile and not meant to be pressed before use.
It's a truly versatile ingredient that can be used in so many recipes including creamy desserts, smoothies, soups, dips, sauces, and more!
You can blend the tofu for salad dressings and condiments, or use it as a dairy or egg replacer in various recipes. Silken tofu is one of my favorite staple ingredients in vegan cooking.
Types of Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is available refrigerated and in shelf-stable containers. The refrigerated blocks usually come in 14 or 16 oz. packages and are located in the refrigerated section near the produce.
On the other hand, the shelf-stable variety comes in 12-oz. packages and can usually be found on the International or Asian aisle of most grocery stores. Mori Nu is a common brand you may have seen in stores. This type can also be ordered online.
In addition, the shelf-stable form of silken tofu is available in different levels of firmness depending on how much soy protein it contains, with less protein leading to a softer consistency. The different types include soft, medium firm, firm and extra-firm.
Silken Tofu Nutrition
Silken tofu is lower in calories than the other types of tofu, ranging anywhere from 40-45 calories per serving depending on the brand. In fact, it has half the calories of extra firm tofu, which clocks in at around 90 calories per serving.
Silken tofu is also low in fat, ranging from 1.5 grams to 2 grams of fat per 3-oz serving, but high in protein with a range of 4-7 grams of protein for the same size serving.
Tofu is also a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as Vitamins C, A, E, B3, B6, and calcium. You can read more about it in this article on Tasting Table.
Silken Tofu Breakfast Recipes
1. Silken Tofu Breakfast Pudding
This tasty breakfast pudding is a great way to start your day! Easy to make in just 5 minutes with a combination of silken tofu, frozen berries, spinach, chia seeds, and your favorite sweetener for a quick and nutritious morning meal!
2. Protein Overnight Oats
Silken tofu gives these overnight oats a boost of protein for a delicious morning meal that will keep you full until lunchtime! Prepare a batch in just 5 minutes, refrigerate overnight, and start your day with a nourishing and satisfying breakfast. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and mix-ins!
3. Vegan Pasta Frittata
This delectable frittata doubles as a breakfast or dinner and is perfect for meal prep! Easy to make in under an hour with a combination of pasta, veggies, extra firm tofu, and silken tofu!
4. Silken Tofu Pancakes
These flourless silken tofu pancakes are the perfect high-protein, plant-based breakfast that's every bit delicious as it is nutritious! Made with rolled oats instead of flour, these easy-to-make pancakes are also gluten-free.
5. Silken Tofu Scramble
You only need 10 minutes and a handful of ingredients to get this tasty tofu scramble on the table! Thanks to the combination of silken tofu and kala namak (aka black salt), this high-protein vegan scramble is reminiscent of the flavor and texture of traditional scrambled eggs without using any animal products.
6. Tofu Smoothie
Rich in antioxidants, this superfood smoothie features a combination of silken tofu, fruits, veggies, cacao, and spirulina for a nutrient-dense breakfast or post-workout recovery drink!
Silken Tofu Appetizers and Sides
7. Sichuan Doufunao (Spicy Tofu Pudding)
This popular Sichuan dish is a savory tofu pudding that combines the perfect amount of sweet, spicy, salty, and sour all in one! Easy to make in just 15 minutes and budget-friendly too!
8. Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip
A combination of white beans and silken tofu make the creamy base in this plant-based version of the party food favorite, while nutritional yeast and vegan cheese add the perfect level of cheesiness.
9. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
This classic appetizer gets a vegan makeover with silken tofu replacing the cream cheese and mayo traditionally used, allowing for a low-calorie, low-fat dip that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
10. Silken Tofu with Spicy Soy Dressing
Transform that block of silken tofu sitting in your pantry into the perfect party appetizer in just 5 minutes! This no-cook Asian-inspired dish is full of flavor but low in fat and calories.
11. Silken Tofu Salad
This Japanese-style tofu salad is the perfect appetizer or side dish to pair with your favorite Asian-inspired main dishes. This flavorful salad is easy to make in just 15 minutes!
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12. Easy Miso Soup
This umami-packed soup is a popular restaurant dish that's easy to make at home in just 15 minutes! Serve as an appetizer or as a side with your favorite main dish!
Condiments and Sauces
13. Vegan Tzatziki Sauce
If you're looking for a vegan tzatziki that rivals the dairy-based version, then this recipe has your name all over it! Packed with the traditional flavors of garlic, lemon, dill, and cucumber, this plant-based dip is sure to be a hit!
14. Tofu Sour Cream
You only need three ingredients and just two minutes to make this vegan sour cream! Perfect for dolloping on baked potatoes, using as a dip base, or adding to baked goods to keep them moist!
15. Silken Tofu Mayonnaise
This 5-ingredient vegan mayo is easy to make in just minutes! Oil-free and low in calories and fat, it's perfect as a sandwich spread or as a base for dips and dressings!
Silken Tofu Dinner Recipes
16. Vegan Carbonara
Silken tofu and cashews come together to create the perfect creamy sauce for this protein-packed pasta dish! Easy to make in under 30 minutes, this hearty and delicious meal is great for busy weeknights!
17. Oil-Free Portobello Pizzas
Silken tofu stars as the main ingredient in the homemade vegan mozzarella topping these tasty portobello pizzas. Low in calories and packed with nutrients, this easy recipe is a great way to enjoy pizza guilt-free! Serve as a main dish or appetizer.
18. Tofu Pasta Sauce
This oil-free lemony pasta sauce is made creamy thanks to silken tofu! Easy to make and full of flavor, this savory sauce is a great addition to your favorite pasta noodles.
19. Tofu Mac & Cheese
Silken tofu and veggies blend up together to create a perfectly creamy and healthy sauce in this easy vegan mac and cheese that's sure to become a family favorite!
Silken Tofu Desserts
20. Easy No-Bake Tofu Cheesecake
Silken tofu, non-dairy milk, and cashews work together to form the base for this delightful vegan cheesecake! Easy to make in just 20 minutes, the creamy filling is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, tart, and vanilla-y.
21. Vegan Protein Ice Cream
Silken tofu and nut butter join forces to create the perfect protein-packed ice cream that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Easy to prep in just 15 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients!
22. Vegan Key Lime Pie
While many non-dairy key lime pie recipes use coconut milk as a base, this one uses a combination of silken tofu, condensed oat milk, and cashews instead. Perfectly sweet and tart, this delectable pie is also both oil-free and gluten-free!
23. Light Vegan Lemon Bars
Thanks to silken tofu, these creamy, fresh and light lemon bars are much lower in fat than the traditional version! This no-bake recipe is also gluten-free, nut-free, coconut-free, and oil-free, making it perfect for all types of eaters.
24. Easy Vegan Tiramisu
Silken tofu is the secret to making a creamy non-dairy mascarpone in this vegan tiramisu that's just as delicious as the classic version. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes!
25. Cannoli Dip
Cashews and silken tofu team up to replace the ricotta traditionally found in cannoli filling. This creamy dip features the authentic flavors of the original without any of the dairy and pairs perfectly with apples, cookies, pretzels, or waffle cone pieces!
26. Filipino Silken Tofu
This classic Filipino treat is incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Known as taho, this Filipino dish combines silken tofu with a pandan-infused arnibal syrup and sago or tapioca pearls for a delightfully delicious dessert.
27. Healthy Chocolate Mousse
This high-protein dessert is a nutritious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings! Silken tofu provides the creamy base while dates and maple syrup add natural sweetness to this decadent chocolate treat!
More Tofu Recipes
So, which of these silken tofu recipes are you planning to try first? Let me know in the comments below!
Nancy says
Oh my Lori! Where should I begin? All of these recipes look delicious! My tummy does not like cheese in my old age. My first recipe will be the Mac and cheese. Thank you for putting all these recipes together.
Kathy says
It is a tough choice - Silken Tofu Pudding will probably be the winner. The Overnight oats with Tofu is a close runner up. And once I have a finished my Banana Nice Cream the Silken Tofu Ice Cream will definitely be made. Just got a Ninja Creami and I bet this will be perfect for it.
Thank you for the great ideas/recipies
Lori Rasmussen says
Great choices, Kathy. I hope you enjoy everything!
Theron says
Silken tofu is one of my all time favorite ingredients. Thank you for putting this together.
Lori Rasmussen says
My pleasure! Thanks, Theron.