35+ Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes — Savory and Sweet

Here’s a tasty selection of vegan silken tofu recipes, including soups, pastas, pizzas, and desserts, and more. Discover the versatility of this variety of tofu. Bonus — it’s shelf stable.

Silken tofu is available in 14- to 16-ounce tubs or 12.3 ounce aseptic cartons. I like to keep a few of the latter on hand at all times, as they’re shelf stable. They can be kept in the pantry for quite a long time — up to a year. Look for a best-used-by-date on the carton.

What is silken tofu?

This type of tofu is made without coagulating or pressing. It has the highest water content of the various types of tofu, and as its name implies, has a silky texture (and a soft consistency).

Silken tofu is ideal for: Because it’s so soft and smooth, silken tofu ideal to puree and use as a base for soups, dips, and sauces. It also makes wonderfully creamy dessert puddings and pie fillings.

It’s not suited for: This type of tofu isn’t the best for stir-fries or nuggets, as it’s quite delicate and tends to fall apart in these kinds of preparations.

The most widely available brand is Mori-nu. Silken tofu most widely comes in firm and extra-firm (which aren’t all that different from one another). There are a few other variations as well, which you can see at Mori-nu. Here you see what a shelf-stable 12.3-ounce carton of extra-firm looks like.

Nasoya offers a tub variety of silken tofu which, like other types of tub tofu, needs to be refrigerated and used by a date specified on the container.

Thanks to the talented bloggers who participated in this roundup for permission to link to their recipes and use their photos. Learn lots more about silken tofu.

Savory silken tofu recipes

Soups

: When you want to warm up quickly, here’s an Asian noodle soup that’s ready from start to finish in 30 minutes or less. Filled with greens, tofu, and shiitake mushrooms, it’s a lively first course.

Gingery Miso-Mushroom Soup: Featuring plenty of silken tofu, here’s a light yet satisfying way to warm up most any time of year. And it’s vegan, unlike miso soup served in Japanese restaurants.

Easy Miso Soup: From Happy Kitchen Rocks, this easy Japanese clear soup makes a perfect nutritious umami-packed savory vegan lunch. Comforting and ready in just 15 minutes!

New England Vegan Clam Chowder: This vegan chowder is a creamy, plant-based version of the classic New England soup. Filled with potatoes, corn, and carrots, the protein is provided by plant-based seafood alternatives or baked tofu.

Casseroles, scrambles & other warm dishes

Creamy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes: It’s easy to make creamy vegan scalloped potatoes by using silken tofu instead of a flour-thickened dairy sauce. It’s a dish of pure comfort!

Vegetable Tofu Scramble with Lots of Variations: For vegans, the breakfast and brunch repertoire wouldn’t be complete without a great basic vegetable tofu scramble. This one gives you the option of using the tub variety of firm tofu, or silken tofu.

Pastas & pizzas

Silken Tofu and Cauliflower Alfredo: This vegan Alfredo pasta is proof positive of the versatility of this beloved cruciferous vegetable, but what’s even more convincing is the creamy texture.

Vegan Stroganoff with Seitan and Mushrooms: In this delectable and easy recipe, traditional beef Stroganoff goes plant-based with seitan. Silken tofu is used instead of heavy cream and butter.

Super-Easy Vegan Macaroni and Cheese: This easy vegan macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Using pureed silken tofu as a base makes it creamy and deceptively rich-tasting.

Lasagna-Like Vegan Pasta Casserole: Here’s an easy casserole that has all the great flavors of lasagna with less hassle. You can guess what stands in for the traditional ricotta cheese!

One Pot “Baked” Feta Pasta: From Healthy My Lifestyle, this creamy, cheesy dish is incredibly easy to make, requiring one-pot and ready in 30 minutes or less! It’s also vegan and oil-free (but you wouldn’t know it), and perfect for meal prep!

Vegan White Pizza with Asparagus and Arugula: Here’s a lovely, light vegan white pizza that features fresh vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes atop a creamy base made of silken tofu.

Spinach and Olive Pizza: Pizza is one of those things that actually requires ideas more than exact recipes. This tasty vegan spinach and olive pizza is a case in point. Silken tofu is the secret ingredient for the white pizza variation.

Vegan Sausage and Peppers Pizza: Here’s another pizza that can be made white (with silken tofu) or red (with marinara sauce), and both are fantastic!

Cold dishes (salads, sauces, dips & such)

Silken Tofu with Fried Garlic and Black Beans: From The Devil Wears Salad, a simple cold silken tofu recipe elevated with a savory sauce, fried garlic, fermented black beans, and topped with pickled cucumber. It is truly one of the easiest Chinese tofu side dishes you can prepare that is utterly delicious to eat.

Cold Japanese Tofu Salad: From My Plantiful Cooking, a silken tofu salad that’s light and refreshing. Served with a sesame soy dressing, everyone will love this simple salad!

Silken tofu desserts and sweet dishes

Sweet noodle kugel: The Jewish classic is made dairy free with silken tofu standing in for ricotta or farmer’s cheese, but it’s just as luscious as the original. Though sweet, this dish is usually served as part of a meal, especially at holidays, rather than as a dessert.

The Best Eggless Baked Cheesecake with Strawberries: From Thank You Berry Much, an easy eggless baked cheesecake with a sweet, crispy crust made from Golden Oreos and a creamy, dairy-free cheesecake filling. The filling uses silken tofu to replace the eggs used in traditional cheesecakes.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse Pie: Silken tofu is the secret to this vegan chocolate mousse pie —it has just the right consistency to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Vegan Sunbutter and Chocolate Pretzel Pie: From Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen, a decadent pie made with just six ingredients and it comes together in a matter of minutes! A pretzel crust is filled with a creamy, chocolatey nondairy mousse. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty.

Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake with Cherries: Another from Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen, a rich and decadent vegan cheesecake topped with cherries for the ultimate dessert. It’s the best treat for special occasions, date night, and Valentine’s Day — and its gluten-free, too.

Silken Tofu and Avocado Chocolate Mousse: This luscious and easy silken tofu chocolate mousse and avocado chocolate pudding is a mash-up of two contemporary classics.

Easy Vegan Lemon Custard: From World of Vegan, this tangy custard made with just 5 ingredients is a perfect after-dinner dessert to serve up topped with zest. Your guests will never know it’s made with tofu!

Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie: Thanksgiving dinner without pumpkin pie is hard to imagine. But you need not wait for a holiday to enjoy this easy silken tofu-based vegan pumpkin pie, which offers an option to use butternut squash.

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Hint of Chocolate: Here’s another silken tofu-based vegan pumpkin cheesecake that treats your taste buds to a subtle chocolate burst with each bite.

Vegan Sweet Potato Pie: A dessert that brightens everyday or special occasion fall / winter meals. Silken tofu is the perfect base for the pie filling, setting up beautifully when baked.

Tofu Pancakes: From Anna Banana, these soft, fluffy and light tofu pancakes are ideal for a weekend breakfast or brunch!

Tofu doughnuts: Another treat from Anna Banana, here are tofu doughnuts made with only a handful of ingredients and no yeast! Delicious, quick and super easy to make snack, ideal for any gathering!

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If you’re looking for more tofu recipes & tips, you might also enjoy …

50+ Delicious Tofu Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

Tofu 101: A Quick Guide to Tofu Varieties

35+ Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes — Savory and Sweet - The Vegan Atlas (2024)

FAQs

Is Silken tofu healthier than regular tofu? ›

Tofu Nutrition

For relatively similar serving sizes, the nutrition differences between silken and firm tofu are pretty big. Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.

Why is silken tofu not refrigerated? ›

You may notice that silken tofu (soft tofu), unlike regular tofu, is sometimes packaged in aseptic boxes that do not require refrigeration. Due to this, silken tofu is sometimes sold in a different section of grocery stores than regular tofu, which is packed in water and requires refrigeration.

Which tofu is best for weight loss? ›

Tofu is low in calories.

3.5 oz of firm tofu has 78 calories, and silken tofu has 55 calories. Soft soy tofu with lecithin is ranked second with 61 Calories, but all of those are less than many animal protein options, which usually clock in at 140-200 calories for 3.5-oz servings.

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How long does silken tofu last in the fridge? ›

How long does tofu last in the fridge? If it's unopened, you should just go by the use by date on the pack, which will give you the best idea of the shelf life. If it's opened, refrigerated tofu is generally good for 3 to 5 days, as long as you've stored it properly.

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Can you eat silken tofu straight from the box? ›

Aftering draining off the excess liquid, tofu can be eaten straight out of its packaging. To prevent contamination, prepare it using clean utensils and surfaces at home, and store it at proper temperatures.

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Can you eat silken tofu everyday? ›

Similarly, the American Cancer Society sees no dangers from eating soy. "For the vast majority of people, it should be reasonable to incorporate tofu in their daily diet without any issues," Sun said.

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Do you need to rinse silken tofu? ›

After removing the tofu from its package, rinse it and then remove the water. For soft tofu, just drain it and blot it dry; but for medium, firm and extra-firm tofu, simple draining isn't enough—you need to press the water out. Think of it this way: Tofu is porous, like a sponge.

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How healthy is silken tofu? ›

Soybeans and soy products like tofu are rich in isoflavones. These flavonoids (plant-based chemicals) help lower your blood pressure and offer other heart-protective benefits. A 2020 study found that people who ate a serving of tofu each week had an 18% lower risk of heart disease than those who didn't.

Is silken tofu highly processed? ›

Foods that have undergone some processing but contain very little or no added sugars and salt are considered “minimally processed” or simply “processed.” These include whole grain pasta, whole grain flours, tofu, and tempeh.

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Is Silken tofu good for weight loss? ›

Tofu is a cholesterol-free, low-calorie, high-protein food that's also rich in bone-boosting calcium and manganese. Tofu may help you to lose weight by keeping you fuller for longer on fewer calories than meat. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when swapped for saturated fat-heavy animal proteins.