Name: Chinese Silken tofu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 300 gram (1 block) silken tofu; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoon water; 2 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon chilli oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar; Salt to taste; 2 stalks scallion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; handful of cilantro, roughly chopped

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This classic Chinese silken tofu recipe is a celebration of simple flavours. A perfect vegan appetizer that you can whip under 20 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

aerial shot of Chinese silken tofu served on a green platter.

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What is Silken Tofu?
Ingredients You’ll Need
How To Make Silken Tofu
My Tried and True Tips
Chinese Silken tofu Recipe

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, silken tofu is a shining star that blends versatility, nutrition, and a delightful texture into one exquisite dish.

The tofu’s natural creaminess perfectly complements the umami-rich sauce and fresh toppings.

What is Silken Tofu?

Silken tofu, also called “soft tofu,” is a type of tofu that stands apart from its firmer counterparts. Its creamy and delicate texture is achieved by coagulating soy milk without curdling it into curds. As a result, silken tofu retains more moisture and has a soft, custard like finish.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy silken tofu in Chinese cuisine is as a simple, savoury appetizer topped with a soy-based sauce and garnished with fresh aromatics.

Why You’ll Love This Silken Tofu Recipe

It’s a quick and healthy appetizer that you can whip up in under 20 minutes
you can easily make it in advance and store in the refrigerator
this dish does not require any cooking at all
perfect for summer parties or light dinner
gluten free, plant based protein
it is a vegan appetizer

ingredients for making chinese silken tofu recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Silken Tofu block. Please don’t use firm tofu for this recipe.
Light Soya Sauce for the umami flavour.
Rice Vinegar and not the white vinegar. Or use Chinese Cooking wine.
Toasted Sesame Oil gives a nutty and sweet flavour.
Homemade Chilli Oil or the ready made one. Trust me, it makes a lot of difference.
Minced Garlic, Salt and Light Brown Sugar
Ingredients For Topping: Scallions, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Cilantro

How To Make Silken Tofu

1. Prepare the Sauce

Combine the light soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, chilli oil, minced garlic, salt (if using) and a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

2. Prepare the Silken Tofu

Carefully remove the silken tofu from its packaging. Since it’s very delicate, handle it with care to avoid breaking it.
Place the tofu block on a plate or shallow dish. Drain any excess liquid that comes with silken tofu.

Make cuts in tofu so that the sauce can penetrate deep within the layers.

3. Steam or Not steam

Many silken tofu recipes recommend steaming the tofu. But I have always made it without steaming and loved it.

But in case you want to steam the tofu, here is the process.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and set up a steamer. If you don’t have a steamer, you can improvise by placing a heatproof rack inside the pot and covering it with a lid.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt over the tofu for enhanced flavour (optional).
Steam the tofu for 8-10 minutes over medium heat. Once steamed, carefully remove it from the steamer and set it aside to cool slightly.

aerial shot of Chinese silken tofu served in a green ceramic platter

4. Assemble the Tofu

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu.
Let it sit in refrigerator for 1 – 2 hours or atleast 30 minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped scallions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds on top.

Serve the silken tofu chilled or at room temperature.

It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or as a side dish in a larger Chinese-inspired meal with sides like smashed cucumber salad, rice soup, congee, or a vegetable or meat stir fry.

My Tried and True Tips

Handling with Care: Silken tofu is fragile. Use a wide spatula or spoon when transferring it to avoid breaking.
Sauce Variations: Experiment with other flavour profiles liked add minced red chilli, splash of oyster sauce, or Korean Gochujang paste for extra zing.
Serve it Cold: For a refreshing summer twist, skip the steaming step and serve the silken tofu chilled with the sauce and garnishes.

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Chinese Silken Tofu Recipe