5 Minute Silken Tofu with Korean Soy Sauce

Name: 5 Minute Silken Tofu with Korean Soy Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 lb silken tofu ((454g)); 2 ½ Tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar; 1 ½ teaspoon sesame seeds; ⅔ teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon sugar ((optional)); 1 stalk green onion (chopped); 1 or 2 peppers (sliced)

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This easy vegan silken tofu is served hot or cold with a savory Korean soy sauce flavored with green onions, peppers, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, also known as gochugaru.

Silken tofu with Korean soy sauce made with green onions, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds poured on top.

This Korean style silken tofu is easy, healthy, fast to prepare, and made with simple ingredients! It can be served raw or chilled, or you can steam or microwave it to serve hot.

It makes a great Korean appetizer or vegan entree that’s a good source of protein. Pair with steamed rice or serve atop a salad for a low carb option.

Silken tofu with Korean soy sauce made of green onions, peppers, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a white bowl.

What is Silken Tofu?
Ingredients
How to Make Korean Silken Tofu
Recipe Tips
FAQ – Silken Tofu
5 Minute Silken Tofu with Korean Soy Sauce Recipe

What is Silken Tofu?

Silken tofu is unpressed and undrained tofu which results in loose, delicate curds with soft texture that’s similar to flan. It has a high moisture content and doesn’t have the dense texture that’s associated with medium or firm tofu.

It can be served in both savory and sweet dishes (smoothies, desserts, or puddings). It’s also a great substitute for dairy and eggs, thus being popular in vegan and vegetarian dishes.

It’s popular in Korean, Japan, and China and can be served both cooked and raw (hot or cold).

What’s the Difference between Silken Tofu and Regular Tofu?

Tofu comes in many varieties – silken, soft, medium, firm, and extra firm. The firmer the texture, the less moisture it has because it’s been pressed out of the tofu.

The main difference between silken tofu and regular tofu is the texture, moisture content, and amount of protein per serving.

Ingredients

Silken tofu – Look for the word “silken” or “extra soft” on the packaging.
Soy sauce – Substitute with liquid aminos or tamari.
Flavorings – chili peppers, green onions, sesame seeds, Korean pepper flakes (gochugaru). Adjust to your liking.

How to Make Korean Silken Tofu

Draining liquid from silken tofu container into a metal bowl.

Silken tofu in its container surrounded by soy sauce with red pepper flakes.

First, drain the liquid from the container and peel back the top film.

Paper towel laid on top of silken tofu container.

Silken tofu draining upside down on a paper towel.

Next, place a piece of paper towel or clean kitchen towel on top and flip it over onto a plate to drain excess liquid. The paper towel should be on the bottom with the tofu draining on top. Keep it in the container for easy transfer later.

Korean flavored soy sauce made with peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds being mixed with a spoon.

Soy sauce and green onions being poured over silken tofu with a wooden spoon.

While it’s draining, make the flavored soy sauce.
Finally, carefully place the silken tofu onto a plate. Then spoon the soy sauce mixture on top. Enjoy!

Silken tofu with easy Asian soy sauce made with green onions, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce in a white bowl.

Recipe Tips

Heating silken tofu: To serve warm, microwave it on a microwave safe plate for 2 to 4 minutes until warm to the touch. Or you can steam it in a steamer basket.
Serving: You can slice it into cubes or rectangles for easier serving. Handle with a spoon instead of chopsticks as they break apart easily.
Storing leftovers: Store leftover tofu in an airtight container and cover with clean water. Use within a day or two.

Easy silken tofu with vegan Korean soy sauce with green onions, red peppers, and sesame seeds.

FAQ – Silken Tofu

Where can I buy it?

It’s sold in most Asian groceries stores in the refrigerated section next to other varieties of tofu. Look for the words “silken” or “extra soft.”

Does it need to be cooked or can it be eaten raw?

Silken tofu does not need to be cooked and can be eaten raw. You can enjoy it chilled, at room temperature, warm or hot.

How do I cook or heat it up?

You can steam it in a steamer basket, warm it up in the microwave it for 1 to 4 minutes on medium heat, or simmer in a pan.

How do I prepare it for recipes?

You always want to drain the excess liquid, like any other tofu. Depending on what the recipe you may want to slice it, cut it into cubes, or leave it whole.
Remember to be gentle when handling as it’s quite delicate and can break apart easily.

Korean silken tofu with vegan soy sauce with green onions, and red pepper flakes in a white bowl.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Please share, rate, or comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! ? -Jamie

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