Many people don’t realize that there are different types of tofu that can be used in a variety of different dishes. Firm and extra firm tofu do well in stir fries and baked tofu, while silken tofu is much softer and is best used in recipes for sauces and creamy desserts.
Oftentimes, people have told me that they want to like tofu, but they just don’t know what to do with it. Contrary to popular belief, tofu is not scary. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty easy to cook with and can be made into just about anything.
What exactly is tofu anyway?
Tofu is an Asian food made from soybeans. Production involves soaking soybeans in water and creating soy milk. Then the milk has to be curdled using a substance such as calcium sulfate or lemon juice.
From there, curds are separated from the whey and usually packaged in block form. It is sold in a variety of options, from soft to extra firm, and they differ mainly in the amount of water retained.
There are two main types of tofu–silken and regular. Silken tofu is often called Japanese-style tofu, as well as soft or silk. It has a more delicate texture and will fall apart if not handled carefully.
This type of tofu is sometimes packaged in aseptic, or shelf-stable, boxes that do not require refrigeration. It is great to keep on-hand, since there is no requirement to use it quickly. It is also packed in very little water and doesn’t need to be drained or pressed for many recipes, unlike regular tofu.
Both silken and regular tofu can be found in soft, medium, firm, and extra-firm consistencies. They are made with the same ingredients, but they are processed slightly differently and with different amounts of water.
Silken Tofu Recipes
Let us inspire you with a few of our favorite silken tofu recipes that are so delicious your family won’t even realize they are eating it!
#1 Chocolate Mousse
Sometimes, I just need a little chocolate, and this dairy-free silken tofu chocolate mousse fills the spot without me having to wear it on my hips.
It is an easy recipe that is just as decadent as some of the fancier varieties, and the only equipment needed to make it is a blender.
#2 Fruit on a Skewer with Key Lime Sauce
If you like key lime pie you’re in luck, because that is exactly what this fruit on a skewer with lime sauce taste like! Amazingly, it is a 3-ingredient recipe that can be made in about 5-minutes and is a heavenly plant-based snack. Kid-friendly too!
#3 Glazed Carrot Cake
Incredibly moist and packed with grated carrots, this secretly healthier version of carrot cake guarantees you will never miss the extra calories.
Made with banana, raisins, whole grain flour, and apple sauce there’s just something charmingly delectable about this culinary masterpiece.
The glaze was the trickiest part to figure out but, in the end, I came up with an easy and delicious version. It calls for a combination of tofu, allspice, cinnamon, and vanilla. No cooking is required, only a blender.
#4 No-Bake Chocolate Pie
Chocolate Vegan Pie was inspired by my Chocolate Mousse dessert when I needed to take a sweet dish to a family gathering recently. I decided just to make the mousse and pour it into a graham cracker crust.
I’ve taken it to 2 events now, with no leftovers coming back home with me. I would call that plant-based recipes success!
#5 Chipotle Ranch Sauce
This smoky, savory, and creamy vegan chipotle sauce recipe is the perfect match for bean burgers, veggie hoagies, sandwiches, baked fries, and so much more!
Whether you put it on burgers and sandwiches, or use it as a dip, this stuff is amazing!
#6 Ranch Dressing
One thing I missed when we went dairy-free and low-fat was ranch dressing. So I came up with this Vegan Ranch Dressing, and it hits the spot every time!
#7 French Onion Dip
You know how you thought French onion dip was out of your life forever? Well, think again! This Vegan French Onion Dip version is not only dairy-free, but also low-fat.
Caramelized onions are what gives this dip the sweetest flavor.
#8 Creamy Spinach Dip
When my family requests a snack for movie night, I can get this dip together in less than 20 minutes. The best part is that I feel very good about the healthy food that they are eating.
#9 Mushroom Stroganoff
Vegan mushroom pasta Stroganoff has a savory mushroom flavor that will remind you of the rich and scrumptious stroganoff recipes you grew up with. Now you can satisfy those pasta cravings without the guilt!
#10 Low-Fat Tofu Mayonnaise
This tasty, egg-less vegan mayonnaise recipe has only 11 calories and (.4) grams of fat per tablespoon. And it’s loaded with protein!
It’s terrific on sandwiches and in many other dishes like Classic Cole Slaw, Country Potato Salad, and Broccoli Salad.
#11 Vegan Tofu Sour Cream
I was skeptical about dairy-free sour cream because I had always loved the dairy-version, but this tofu vegan sour cream recipe is surprisingly delicious! Creamy and tangy wonderfulness!
This recipe only requires about 5-minutes and a blender. Serve on baked potatoes, tacos, Vegan Nacho Supreme, enchiladas. or even grill veggies.
What are the Health Benefits of Soy?
Some people are not too sure about tofu, because it contains phytoestrogens. Turns out, phytoestrogens are very health promoting and are not at all like our body’s natural estrogen that can cause harm and lead to disease.
This makes so much sense, because the countries that consume the most soy, such as Japan and China, have the lowest rates of cancer and chronic disease. The short video below will explain the benefits of soy.
What followers are saying
I made 3 recipes so far and loved all of them. Tried the chocolate pie, the fruit skewers with Key Lime sauce, and the mushroom stroganoff. All were well received by my eaters.” –Lu-Anne
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Plant-Based Starter Kit
Thank you for the clear explanation about the differences with tofu!
You’re welcome, and I’m so glad it was helpful.
These are under the article for recipes made with silken tofu, but the key lime sauce recipe says use light firm tofu. Please clarify for me. Thank you!
Hi Cher, yes, either light firm or silken tofu will work well with this recipe. Enjoy!