10 silken tofu recipes
Whether you're cooking sweet or savoury vegan dishes, silken tofu is here to make them higher in plant protein, packed with nutrients and extra creamy
Looking for silken tofu recipes? Make the most of your block of silken tofu with our vegan recipes including fluffy pancakes and a creamy alternative to scrambled eggs ready for plant-based brunches, as well as easy, protein-rich dinners like veggie stir-fries and bowls.
Like firm tofu, silken tofu is made from soy milk using soya beans. However unlike the firmer variety, silken tofu is not pressed, resulting in its velvety soft texture. This makes it ideal for blending into sweet and savoury recipes to create a creamy texture without the need for dairy, however it also holds its own simply chopped - no need to cook - in vegan salads or to soak up all the aromatic flavour in broths and soups. Is there anything it can't do?
Tempeh is the next step along the process, using fermented soy milk to produce a nuttier, firmer texture that's slightly higher in protein. Try our tempeh recipes and discover the health benefits of tempeh. Now discover our high-protein vegan meals, find out how to have a balanced diet for vegans, as well as the best vegan calcium sources.
Silken tofu recipes
1. Ponzu tofu poke bowl
Perfect enjoyed at the height of summer - although just as delicious all year round - this is inspired by the Japanese hiyayakko dish which uses a whole block of silken tofu straight out of the packet topped with a variety of flavoursome additions such as sliced spring onion, soy sauce and sesame seeds. Now discover more of our favourite tofu recipes.
2. Tofu & spinach cannelloni
Silken tofu holds up as a convincing stand-in for ricotta in this vegan dish, seasoned with grated nutmeg, black pepper and spinach. Roll the filling in fresh lasagne sheets and top with rich tomato sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs. Discover more spinach pasta recipes.
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3. Vegan fry-up
Vegans need not miss out on the joys of a leisurely full English breakfast, scrambled eggs included. Silken tofu's delicate texture makes it a great egg alternative, seasoned with nutritional yeast and garlic, plus a pinch of turmeric to give it that crucial golden yellow colour. Next discover our favourite healthy vegan breakfasts.
4. Blueberry & banana power smoothie
Up the protein and nutrients in your smoothie without comprising on flavour or texture with silken tofu. It's a great way to get more protein into your kids' diet and they will be none the wiser as the blueberries, banana and oats bring the flavour. Now try another nutrient-packed vegan smoothie.
5. Spicy tofu tahini noodle salad
Make a bright and beautiful bowl with Korean red chilli-seasoned silken tofu alongside matchsticks of carrots, thinly shredded white cabbage, sliced spring onion and plenty of soft green herbs. It's an easy, low-cook weekday winner that you'll enjoy just as much for lunch the next day. If you love Korean-inspired dishes, try our gochujang recipes.
6. Tofu brekkie pancakes
If you're looking for a sweet brunch that's both vegan and gluten-free, you'll be hard pressed to find any pancakes that top these little beauties. You guessed it - silken tofu does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to the creamy batter, given a helping hand by almond milk and buckwheat flour. Serve warm with toasted nuts, fresh berries, sliced bananas and a generous drizzling of maple syrup. Now try more vegan gluten-free recipes.
7. Vegan pecan pie
Want to know the secret to this autumnal pie's creamy filling? Silken tofu, blended with maple syrup and brown sugar to replicate the iconic American dessert - without the dairy. For speedier prep, it uses shop-bought shortcrust pastry - normally vegan, just make sure to double check the ingredients. For another tempting vegan dessert made with silken tofu, try our matcha mochi ice cream.
8. Tofu with chilli & greens
For a simple midweek meal that can easily be tailored to whatever seasonal greens you have in your fridge, this tofu and rice bowl packs in the flavour as well as being low in calories. Now try our low-fat vegan recipes.
9. Layered tofu pasta bake
Make a healthier spin on a pasta bake with the help of silken tofu - as well as garlicky carrots, spinach, celery and olives. It's a seriously wholesome, feel-good dinner with wholewheat pasta. Next try Max La Manna's smoked pea carbonara and our creamy roasted red pepper pasta.
10. Vegan chocolate yule log
Who knew you could use silken tofu to make a chocolate yule log? It creates a seriously silky ganache with the dark chocolate and maple syrup - plus you can make the entire dessert ahead of the big day. Start prepping now with more vegan Christmas dessert recipes.
What's your favourite silken tofu recipe? Let us know in the comments...
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