24 Vegan Soft Tofu Recipes
Silken tofu might not be the first tofu you reach for at the store, but it should be! This creamy, mild ingredient can transform into things you might not expect, from silky vegan sauces to rich dairy-free desserts and more. In this comprehensive guide, we’re sharing 24 of our favorite silken and soft tofu recipes that prove just how versatile it really is!
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In our kitchen, soft tofu is a magic ingredient that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes.
And while I would not consider soft tofu a sub for regular tofu or extra-firm tofu, it’s still a tremendously versatile ingredient – from creamy pasta sauces to vegan cheese to decadent desserts, the possibilities are endless!
And the best part? Soft tofu and silken tofu are a great way to replace cashews in many creamy vegan recipes! It’s a far more budget-friendly option, can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, and does not require an expensive blender to get right.
At the end of this post, you’ll be a pro at using soft tofu. Let’s start with some basic soft tofu questions before we hop into all the delicious recipes using soft tofu!
What is soft tofu?
Soft tofu, also known as silken tofu, is a high-water variety of tofu with a custard-like texture.
The high water content and texture are the main difference between soft tofu and more common varieties in the US. Soft silken tofu is commonly used in Asian cuisines, particularly in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese dishes.
In this post, we’ll be walking you through our more unconventional recipes for silken tofu, but there are many traditional dishes that utilize this ingredient.
Check out sites like Plant-Based Matters, The Woks of Life, and The Korean Vegan if you’re looking for recipes that are more on the traditional end!
Is silken tofu the same as soft tofu?
While the terms “silken tofu” and “soft tofu” are often used interchangeably, some argue that soft tofu has a slightly firmer texture compared to silken tofu.
However, in many recipes, they can be used interchangeably without significant difference in results.
Soft Tofu vs. Other Tofu Varieties
Understanding the differences between soft tofu and other types of tofu is essential to perfecting your tofu cooking game.
Here’s a brief overview:
- Silken Tofu: Silken tofu is not pressed, giving it a creamy and custard-like texture. It’s perfect for smoothies, desserts, and sauces. Though similar to soft tofu, it’s even more delicate.
- Soft Tofu: Said to have a bit more body than silken tofu but still very tender.
- Firm and Extra-Firm Tofu: These types are denser and hold up well to frying, baking, grilling, and stir-frying. They have less moisture and a chewier texture, making them suitable for dishes where tofu needs to retain its shape.
Looking for more recipe using extra firm tofu? Check out our Tofu Chicken Guide for how we use extra firm tofu to replace chicken in our favorite dishes! And check out our collection of recipes using extra firm tofu for 36 ways you can transform a block!
What can you use soft tofu for?
There are so many fun uses for this type of tofu that are both traditional and non-traditional!
Some of the traditional dishes you’ll see soft tofu featured in are:
- Korean Soon Tofu Soup
- Chinese Mapo Tofu – This mapo tofu recipe from Woks of Life can easily be veganized by replacing the ground pork with vegan ground meat.
- Japanese Agedashi Tofu
Some of the more unconventional uses for soft tofu we’ll highlight in this post are:
- Vegan smoothies for creaminess
- As a base for creamy sauces and dips (instead of cashews) – these are definitely my favorite vegan soft tofu recipes!
- Creating creamy desserts like eggless custards, puddings, and no-bake pies!
- Use ¼ cup silken or soft tofu as an egg replacer (for binding) in vegan baking
Soft Tofu Recipes (Vegan)
Okay, now that we know the basics, let’s get to those vegan silken tofu recipes! If you’ve ever wondered what to do with soft tofu, this list should help.
Silken Tofu Cheeses
Creamy Silken Tofu Sauces
Silken Tofu Salad Dressing
Creamy Silken Tofu Dessert Recipes
How to Select and Store Soft Tofu
If you are completely new to cooking with soft tofu, you may have some questions about how to even buy it!
Here is our mini silken tofu buying guide to walk you through your first purchase, how to store it, and what to do with leftovers.
When shopping for soft tofu, consider the following tips:
- Check the Expiration Date: Freshness is crucial with soft and silken tofu. Always check the expiration date on the package to ensure it’s as fresh as possible.
- Inspect the Packaging: Ensure the package is intact, with no tears or damage. A compromised package can affect the tofu’s quality. Learn from my mistakes!
- Type of Packaging: Soft tofu is often sold in tubs or vacuum-sealed packages. Tubs are submerged in water and need to be refrigerated, while vacuum-sealed packages can be shelf-stable and stored in a pantry until opened. I find that the vacuum-sealed packages usually provide the best creamy texture because there’s no added water, but either will work in our recipes.
Tips for Storing Soft Tofu
Once you’ve selected and purchased the silken or soft tofu, follow these storage tips to preserve its freshness:
- Refrigerated Tofu: If your tofu came in a tub, keep it in the refrigerator. Once opened, make sure it’s covered with water. Change the water daily to keep it fresh. Use refrigerated tofu within a week of opening.
- Shelf-Stable Tofu: Until opened, shelf-stable tofu can be stored in your pantry. After opening, you can transfer any leftovers to a clean container, cover it with water, and refrigerate. Like refrigerated tofu, change the water daily and use within a week.
- Freezing Soft Tofu: I don’t often recommend freezing soft or silken tofu because it drastically changes the texture. For creamy sauces and dips, I wouldn’t freeze it…unless you don’t mind a cottage cheese type texture to your recipes.
Tips for Using Leftover Tofu
If you find yourself with leftover soft tofu, here are a few creative ways to use it up:
- Smoothies: Soft tofu adds creaminess and a protein boost to smoothies without altering the flavor. Blend it with fruits, leafy greens, and your choice of liquid for a protein-packed drink.
- Creamy Salad Dressing: Puree soft tofu with herbs, spices, and a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to create a delicious, creamy salad dressing or sauce for dinner bowls!
- Soups: Blend some up and add it to your favorite soup to bulk up the protein and creamy texture.
Soft Tofu FAQ
Here, we’ll answer some more of the common questions we get about silken and soft tofu! If you have additional questions, please leave them in the comments section, so we can make this a more complete resource for future readers.
Should soft tofu be cooked?
While soft tofu can be eaten raw, whether or not you should cook it really depends on the recipe you’re making. If it makes sense, cook it. If not, don’t.
How do you soften soft tofu?
Soft tofu is already soft in texture, but if you need it even softer for a particular recipe, you can gently press it between paper towels to remove excess liquid. Be careful not to press too hard though like you would with extra firm tofu.
Do you rinse soft tofu?
Rinsing soft tofu is optional and depends on the recipe. If you’re using it in a dish where you want to maintain its soft texture, such as in a dessert, you may choose not to rinse it.
Can you freeze soft tofu?
Yes, you can freeze soft tofu to extend its shelf life. However, freezing will change its silky texture, making it firmer and more crumbly. Almost like cottage cheese. You may have a harder time blending it into a creamy sauce at this point, unless you’re using a high-powered blender. We are experimenting with more frozen soft tofu recipes, so stay tuned!
Looking for more vegan tofu recipes? Check out our Is Tofu Vegan? post with many more recipes and guides to help you along your journey!
Hopefully, by this point, you’re roaring to get started on your soft tofu adventures!
If you try one of our favorite silken tofu recipes, don’t forget to leave a star rating and review to share your experience with others. Let’s spread the joy of delicious, plant-based cooking together!
Enjoy and talk to you again soon!
