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    Home » All Recipes » Asian Recipes

    5 Minute Silken Tofu with Korean Soy Sauce

    Published: Aug 27, 2021 · Modified: Aug 27, 2021 by Jamie · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    395 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    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?

    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

    Ingredients for Korean silken tofu including soy sauce, green onions, and chili flakes in small bowls.
    • 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. While it's draining, make the flavored soy sauce.
    2. 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!

    Come find me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram! Share your recipes by tagging @drivemehungry. I love seeing your creations!

    Thanks so much for stopping by! 🧡 -Jamie


    More recipes:

    • 15 Minute Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry (Pad Krapow)
    • Mayak Egg (Korean Marinated Eggs)
    • Easy Tteokbokki - Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
    • Easy Japchae (Korean glass noodle stir fry)
    Silken tofu with Korean soy sauce made with green onions, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds poured on top.

    5 Minute Silken Tofu with Korean Soy Sauce

    This easy vegan silken tofu can be served hot or cold with a savory Korean soy sauce flavored with green onions, peppers, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (gochugaru). It’s easy, vegan, and ready in 5 minutes!
    5 from 186 votes
    Pin Share Print
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Chinese, Japanese, Korean
    Servings 4

    ☑ Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb silken tofu - (454g)

    Soy Sauce Mixture

    • 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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    Instructions
     

    Drain Tofu

    • Drain tofu: Open the package of tofu and drain out the liquid. Lay the tofu on a clean piece of paper towel or kitchen towel to continue draining.
      1 lb silken tofu
      Silken tofu draining upside down on a paper towel.

    Make Sauce

    • Make sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sesame seeds, Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), chopped green onions, and sliced peppers. Add sugar if desired.
      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, 1 stalk green onion, 1 or 2 peppers
      Korean flavored soy sauce made with peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds being mixed with a spoon.
    • Assemble and serve: Remove the paper towel from the tofu and place the tofu on your serving plate. Slice into rectangles if desired. Spoon as much or as little of the soy sauce mixture on top. Enjoy!
      Soy sauce and green onions being poured over silken tofu with a wooden spoon.

    ✎ Recipe Notes

    • 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: For best flavor, I recommend consuming this the day of once the soy sauce is added to the tofu. Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within a day. Unused tofu (without soy sauce) can be stored in an airtight container and covered with clean water. Use within a day or two.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 637mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was and give it a 5 star rating! Tag @drivemehungry to show off your creations! I love seeing your photos!

    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.

    « Perfect Baked Korean Sweet Potatoes (Gungoguma 군고구마)
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    395 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mia

      January 18, 2022 at 6:41 am

      Should the sliced peppers be cooked?

      Reply
      • Jamie

        January 27, 2022 at 11:10 am

        Hi Mia! Nope, they are added fresh. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Mirlene

      October 18, 2021 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      The flavor in this Korean tofu is amazing. We've had it twice already.

      Reply
    3. Marie

      October 16, 2021 at 8:53 am

      What do you eat this with or how do you eat this? On its own or with rice? Thank you

      Reply
      • Jamie

        October 19, 2021 at 1:12 am

        Hi Marie! You can enjoy this with rice as a side dish or enjoy on its own. I also like to add this to salad and use the sauce as a dressing. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sara

      October 15, 2021 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a quick and easy recipe that definitely delivers! So smooth and flavorful; easily, the best way to enjoy tofu!

      Reply
    5. Makhaya

      October 07, 2021 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      The flavors are amazing in this dish, and I love how quickly it was ready to eat!

      Reply
    6. Maggie

      September 26, 2021 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      This silken tofu looks incredibly delicious! I love the Korean soy sauce too!

      Reply
    7. Ashley

      September 14, 2021 at 4:38 am

      5 stars
      This tofu is so tasty, healthy, and protein packed!!!

      Reply
    8. Addie

      August 27, 2021 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      These flavors are amazing!

      Reply
    9. Beth

      August 27, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! This looks so delicious and very tasty! My husband and son are going to love trying this! Can’t wait!

      Reply
    10. serena

      August 27, 2021 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      This is so simple and packed with flavor! I love it for a weeknight dish. YUM!

      Reply
    11. Nicolette

      August 27, 2021 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, this looks so flavor packed!! I can't wait to try this

      Reply

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