Many people don’t realize that there are different types of tofu that can be used in a variety of different dishes. Let us show the differences and explore these simple silken tofu recipes.
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. Get ready for some amazing vegan tofu recipes!
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.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to my favorite Amazon products. If you purchase via my links, I may make a small percentage at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my content.
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.
Simple 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!
Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse
This vegan chocolate mousse can be made in less than 15 minutes flat, with only 4 ingredients that you're likely to already have on-hand. And it's so unbelievably creamy and sweet!
Fruit on a Skewer with Lime Sauce
If you like key lime pie you're in luck, because that is exactly what this lime sauce taste like! Amazingly, it is a 3-ingredient recipe that can be made in about 5-minutes, and it is heavenly.
Glazed Vegan Carrot Cake
Despite it's name, carrot cake is not usually a healthy option for dessert. That is, until now!
Chocolate Vegan No-Bake Pie
This vegan chocolate pie recipe can be made in less than 15 minutes flat, with only 5 ingredients that you're likely to already have on-hand. And it's so unbelievably creamy and sweet!
Chipotle Sauce Vegan
This smoky, savory, and creamy vegan chipotle sauce is the perfect match for bean burgers, veggie hoagies, baked fries, and SO MUCH MORE!
Vegan Ranch Dressing
Easy vegan ranch dressing recipe. Creamy and cool, this is an excellent salad dressing or dip for piles of veggies!
Vegan French Onion Dip
You know how you thought French onion dip was out of your life forever? Well, think again! This version is not only vegan, but also low-fat. Caramelized onions are what gives this dip the sweetest flavor.
Vegan Spinach Dip
Spinach is a vitamin powerhouse, and this Creamy Spinach Spread offers a terrific punch of antioxidants and cancer-fighting nutrients. Serve on pita triangles, French bread, or veggies sticks.
Vegan Mushroom Pasta | Stroganoff
This creamy vegan stroganoff has a savory mushroom flavor that will remind you of the rich and scrumptious stroganoff recipes you grew up with. Now satisfy your pasta cravings without the guilt!
Low-Fat Vegan Mayonnaise
I am from the Carolina's where potato salad, cole slaw, and tomato sandwiches are necessary meal staples. This was a real issue for me after switching to a plant-based lifestyle, because you know what all these foods require right? Mayonnaise!
5-Minute Vegan 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!
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
Be sure to check out our Simple Silken Tofu Recipes page for more great ideas!
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.
Plant-Based Vegan Starter Kits $27
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!