The Vegetarian’s Guide to Silken Tofu

Ready to explore the silkier side of tofu? Silken tofu is a hidden gem in the world of tofu! Never tried it before? You have come to the right place! The Vegetarian’s Guide to Silken Tofu is the perfect place to start for how to buy it, when to use it, recipes + my FAVORITE way to use it!

Tara’s Tuesday Tips:

The Vegetarian’s Guide to Silken Tofu

So many tofu skeptics! Too many! What are you guys waiting for to get on the tofu train?!?!? I have brought you Tofu 101, Tofu for Beginners, Learn to Love Tofu, AND over 25 tofu recipes! Today, I am sharing my LOVE for silken tofu.  Seriously you guys, you will always find a package of silken tofu in my refrigerator + a jar of salad dressing made out of silken tofu for my salads of the week.  Healthy + easy + so many ways to swap out heavy cream or sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes! Let’s do it!

What is Silken Tofu?

Tofu! Made of soybeans but with a much silkier texture.  This type of tofu is more delicate + will crumble when handled.  Sometimes you will hear this type called Japanese tofu. Some would say that silken tofu is jiggly.

What Is the Difference Between Silken Tofu + Regular Tofu?

Thanks to the different water content + pressing time involved in the making of tofu, the primary difference between silken tofu + regular tofu is the texture. Silken tofu is not pressed + has a higher water content.  Therefore, it will not hold its texture during cooking like firm or extra firm tofu will. It can be scooped out of its container and swirled into many different sweet or savory recipes, no draining or pressing necessary.

Where To Buy Silken Tofu

Most grocery stores sell silken tofu.  Here in Florida, I can buy silken tofu in any of our grocery stores right next to the other forms of tofu in the refrigerated section, packed in water.  This is typically the organic version, which is the best way to buy tofu if possible for you.  Alternatively, you can buy silken tofu in boxes in the international foods section or specialty grocer. The boxed type of silken tofu does not need to be refrigerated and has a much longer shelf life than the refrigerated type.

How To Decide When to Use Silken Tofu

• Silken tofu can be eaten raw, does not need to be cooked to be safely eaten.
• To soak up the flavors of a marinade? Choose firm or extra firm, not silken.
• Want to make a tofu scramble? Choose silken tofu or firm, either one will work!
• Hold its texture in little cubes for a stir fry? Choose firm or extra firm, not silken.
• Hot or cold recipes, both ok for silken tofu.
• Need extra protein to blend into a smoothie? Choose silken tofu.
• Also choose silken tofu to replace dairy in dips, dressings, soups, puddings, and sauces.
• Want to replace mayonnaise or heavy cream in a recipe? Use silken tofu!

Buying Organic vs Non-Organic

If possible, buy organic tofu when buying any and all tofu products! Genetically modified soybeans are not something you want to be eating for a whole host of reasons. If you buy organic tofu, you can trust that it wasn’t made with genetically modified soybeans.  Guys, this one is super important. Let me say it again for the people in the back of the room: buy organic tofu. Check this out for more details: When Eating Organic Really Matters.

Is Silken Tofu Healthy?

YES! High in protein, low in calories.  Vegetarian or not, tofu of all kinds should be a staple in your kitchen. The best part is that silken tofu gives you the opportunity to get a creamy texture into things without cream or mayonnaise.

Is The Soy in Silken Tofu Harmful?

I covered this extensively in my article, Learn to Love Tofu.  I will give you my summarized (not science nerd/DNP) answer. All tofu is made of pressed soybeans.  A naturally occurring bean.  A plant. Think tempeh, tofu, miso, edamame. These are great protein sources and can be protective against lots of diseases.  Alternatively, soy enhanced processed food products.  Think bars, some fake meats, cereals, plant protein drinks.  These pack in soy isoflavones and can be harmful. As always, everything in moderation AND check with your doctor to see if soy/tofu is right for you or if contraindicated with any of your medical conditions.

The Vegetarian’s Guide To Silken Tofu In Recipes

Make it into salad dressing:

PLEASE, make it into a salad dressing! I make a batch of dressing EVERY WEEK for my salads out of silken tofu.  It gives me that creamy dressing texture that I love without the fat or additives in bottled dressings. The bonus? It packs in a little extra protein to my salad! If you are a first timer to using tofu, start with the fool proof way to sneak it into your life + make salad dressing out of it!  I can’t sing the praises enough of silken tofu salad dressings. With silken tofu as the base to a salad dressing you slash fat and calories while still maintaining the creamy texture AND you get a nice extra dose of sneaky healthy protein.

Start here with Tara’s Tuesday Tips: Oil-Free Salad Dressings, Silken Tofu Creamy Italian Dressing, Silken Tofu Vegan Ranch (nut-free!), Silken Tofu Vegan Spicy Ranch or Dairy Free Green Goddess Dressing.

Try it in a tofu scramble:

Looking for an eggless dish for brunch? Try a tofu scramble! You can use silken tofu or firm tofu.  Depends on the texture of the ‘eggs’ you are going for. Try this one: Easy Tofu Scramble.

As a mayonnaise replacement:

When you need a creamy mayonnaise texture to something but want to keep it eggless, try silken tofu! Like I did here with this Buffalo Chickpea Salad, Dairy-Free + Egg-Free Coleslaw, or Vegan Rosemary Potato Salad (Eggless!).

As an alternative to dairy:

I am a HUGE silken tofu fan when it comes to replacing sour cream in recipes.  I use homemade sour cream for on top of Loaded Vegan Baked Potatoes, pizza (Copycat California Pizza Kitchen Tostada Pizza, Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza), and tacos (Pumpkin Black Bean Tacos, Tempeh Sweet Potato Tacos, Easy Vegan Tofu Fajitas).

Use it in a dessert:

I have yet to venture into the silken-tofu-as-chocolate-mousse-world or pumpkin pie or cheesecake, but check back, it’s on the list of creations to be made soon! If you give it a try, let me know!

Hope this help you stay healthy, fam!

All the best,

Tara 💚

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