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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Mains

    Chinese Silken Tofu

    Modified: Sep 5, 2024 Β· Published: Nov 16, 2023 by Christie Lai Β· This post may contain affiliate links Β· 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Video

    Chilled silky tofu garnished with a flavourful Chinese sesame soy onion sauce. This quick and easy Chinese silken tofu is ready in 5 minutes and budget-friendly! Great as a main dish or side dish for a busy weeknight meal. This is vegan-friendly.

    chinese silken tofu
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • Expert Tips
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Pairing Suggestions
    • FAQ
    • Other recipes you may like
    • πŸ“– Recipe
    • πŸ’¬ Reviews

    Chinese Silken Tofu features chilled silken tofu garnished with onions and scallions cooked in a sesame soy sauce. It's a flavorful tofu dish that originates from China and it's commonly eaten there.

    What makes this recipe so easy is that the silken tofu requires no cooking at all! Just whip it out of the fridge, cook the onions with the sauce and serve it over the chilled tofu!

    The taste of the warm savory sauce over the cold tofu creates a wonderful contrast of textures and sensation in your mouth. I love making this dish when I don't feel like eating meat. I usually pair this tofu dish with white rice and more veggies.

    chinese silken tofu

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Please scroll down to the below recipe card for full measurements

    ingredients for Chinese silken tofu recipe
    • Chilled silken tofu or sub with soft tofu: get the kind in the square container where the tofu is sticking to the box. Or substitute with silken tofu in tube form and slice it into rounds. Medium tofu is a last resort substitute. Avoid using dessert silken tofu as it's flavored.
    • White onion
    • Green onion: for the sauce and for garnishing
    • Regular soy sauce: or substitute with low sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce.Β If you’re gluten-free, substitute with tamari sauce, coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce of your choice.Β 
    • Garlic
    • Vegetable oil or any neutral oil
    • Sesame oil: for that nutty flavor!
    • Sugar
    • Sesame seeds: optional garnish

    Note: Most Asian grocery stores will carry most of the Asian specific ingredients or check Amazon.

    Expert Tips

    • Source Fresh Onions. Since the main aromatics of this dish are the green and yellow onions, make sure they are fresh and vibrant. Look for dark green onions and yellow onions with the skin intact.
    • Make Sure it's Silken or Soft Tofu. There are many types of tofu available in the store. From extra firm to medium to soft. Make sure to choose the one that says "Silken" or "soft tofu" on the package label.
    • Check the Expiry Label. This should go without saying but I can't tell you the number of times I've seen expired tofu being sold.
    • Be gently when removing the tofu from the packaging or you can break the tofu apart. I share how to do this below.
    • Chop Onions Finely. By chopping these ingredients finely, it'll make for a more pleasant sauce texture.
    • Cook Onions until Translucent. If you don't cook the onions down until they are soft and translucent, you'll be biting into crunchy onions.

    Instructions

    Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make Chinese silken tofu:

    Open Silken Tofu Package

    Carefully peel away the plastic film on top of the tofu package starting from the corner. Keeping the plastic film on top of the tofu for the next step.

    peel away plastic from soft tofu package

    Drain Excess Liquid

    Hold the tofu in place with the help of the plastic film and turn it upside down to drain the excess liquid over the sink. Then place a clean paper towel over the tofu and flip it over onto a flat surface so the paper towel can soak up more liquid.

    drain excess water

    Transfer Tofu to a Plate

    Next place a plate over top of the tofu package. Then flip it over onto the plate and carefully lift up the tofu container allowing gravity to pull the tofu down. Allow this to chill in the frigde. Warning: This type of tofu is very delicate so be careful when moving or touching the tofu, as it can easily break apart.

    transfer tofu onto a plate

    SautΓ© Onions

    In a small pot set over medium heat, add oil followed by white onion, green onion and garlic. SautΓ© for until onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

    saute onions

    Add Seasoning

    Lower heat to low flame. Pour in the soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil and mix in with onions and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.

    add remaining ingredients

    Serve Sauce Over Tofu

    Pour the sauce over the silken tofu. Optional: garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!

    add sauce on top of chilled tofu

    Storage

    • Leftovers last 1-3 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish doesn't require reheating unless you prefer it warm. If you do want to reheat it, microwave it for 45 seconds.
    • Freezer-friendly? I would not recommend freezing this as the freezer will actually change the texture of the tofu.

    Pairing Suggestions

    This serves well with egg rolls, crab rangoons, egg drop soup, hot and sour soup, white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, plain noodles, or garlic bok choy,Β choy sum, gai lan, garlic green beans, zucchini, mushrooms, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers.

    FAQ

    Is silken tofuΒ the same as firm tofu or regular tofu?

    No. Silken tofu has a very silky texture. You barely have to chew it and it is also used in Asian desserts as well!

    Can I use extra-firm tofu or regular tofu?

    I personally wouldn't recommend it as the texture is too tough but if you like that, go for it.

    Can I make this in advance?

    This can be made in advance and you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge and it'll last up to 4 days.

    Other recipes you may like

    • Asian Breaded Tofu Nuggets
    • Chinese Salt & Pepper Tofu
    • Sweet and Sticky Tofu
    • Vegan Kimchi Tofu Stew
    • Tofu Katsu

    πŸ“– Recipe

    10-min. Easy Chinese Silken Tofu

    Christie Lai
    Chilled silky tofu garnished with a flavourful Chinese sesame soy onion sauce. This quick and easy Chinese silken tofu is ready in 5 minutes and budget-friendly! Great as a main dish or side dish for a busy weeknight meal. This is vegan-friendly.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 2
    Calories per serving 258 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 10.5 oz silken tofu or sub with soft tofu

    Sauce:

    • β…” cup yellow onion finely diced
    • Β½ cup green onion finely chopped
    • 3 tablespoon regular soy sauce
    • 1.5 tablespoon garlic minced
    • 1.5 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral tasting oil
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar

    Optional garnishing:

    • ΒΌ teaspoon sesame seeds
    • 1 tablespoon green onion finely chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Carefully peel away the plastic film on top of the tofu package starting from the corner. Keeping the plastic film on top of the tofu for the next step. Hold the tofu in place with the help of the plastic film and turn it upside down to drain the excess liquid over the sink. Then place a clean paper towel over the tofu and flip it over onto a flat surface so the paper towel can soak up more liquid.
    • Next place a plate over top of the tofu package turning it over to transfer the tofu onto the plate. Keep this chilled in the fridge.
    • In a small pot set over medium heat, add oil followed by white onion, green onion and garlic. SautΓ© for until onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Lower heat to low flame. Pour in the soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil and mix in with onions and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Pour the sauce over the silken tofu. Optional: garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    • Silicone Spatula 3-Piece Set
    • Small pot
    • Measuring Set
    Nutrition
    Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 1523mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 281IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 3mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kathy

      September 02, 2024 at 10:13 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this easy and tasty recipe, it was a godsend because it’s all my son has wanted to eat since his wisdom teeth extraction! I love that you included metric measurements as well.

      Reply
      • Christie Lai

        September 05, 2024 at 3:36 pm

        Thanks for making my recipe and sharing this positive review, Kathy! Very happy to hear that it was easy enough to eat for your son πŸ™‚ Hope he recovers soon!

        Reply
    2. Lisa Mills

      April 27, 2024 at 1:32 pm

      Hello do you eat the tofu chilled from the fridge, with the hot onion sauce poured over it?

      Reply
      • Christie Lai

        April 27, 2024 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Lisa, yes that's correct and if you'd like to warm up the tofu you can simply microwave or steam it until it's warm.

        Reply
        • Lisa Mills

          April 29, 2024 at 12:25 pm

          Thanks! I've never eaten cold uncooked tofu, I wasn't sure it was ok to do that. It's still a bit chilly where I live, so I think I'll heat it up this time, but I'll try it cold in the warmer months.

    3. Jd

      April 15, 2024 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      I'll try to cook the Chinese silken tofu

      Reply
    4. Thyagie Gunawardhana

      September 17, 2022 at 12:51 am

      5 stars
      i liked it very much.πŸ™

      Reply
      • christieathome

        September 19, 2022 at 6:11 pm

        Thank you so much for making my recipe! So happy you liked it!

        Reply
    5. Paula

      May 01, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      I love making this because it’s so simple thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 02, 2022 at 5:31 pm

        Thank you so much Paula! I am so glad you that you enjoy it πŸ™‚ Sometimes less is more isn't it!

        Reply
    6. Frankie

      October 13, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      I could eat this forever. Simple to make and simply delicious! I am so glad I found your recipe.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        October 15, 2021 at 12:36 pm

        Thank you so much for your kind words Frankie! I am so happy you liked it.

        Reply
    7. Anne

      May 25, 2021 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      The tofu was very good and the recipe was easy.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 26, 2021 at 2:38 pm

        Thank you so much for making my recipe Anne! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    8. Alex

      November 04, 2020 at 3:07 am

      5 stars
      This is such a wonderful way to enjoy tofu - the flavours work so well!

      Reply
    9. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      November 02, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      15 minutes total prep and no bake... I am loving this for an easy weeknight dinner! And your flavors are so so tasty good. Yum!!

      Reply
    10. Sherri

      November 02, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      5 stars
      Christie, I am drooling over this creative silken tofu recipe! So much flavor! πŸ™‚

      Reply
    11. Ivy

      October 29, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      Wow I've never tried tofu like this but it was so delicious and very easy to make.

      Reply

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    Christie

    Christie is an Recipe Blogger with an expertise on Asian recipes! She makes Asian cooking approachable with step-by-step pictures, ingredient & recipe tips and a helpful cooking video. Her quick and easy recipes have been featured on BuzzFeed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn, The FeedFeed, Sur La Table, Yummly and more! With a following of over 1M+, her recipes are made repeatedly by her loyal readers.

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