This 5-Minute Silken Tofu is my go-to for a quick cold side dish, featuring silky and delicate cubes of silken tofu, marinated in a flavourful dressing. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, sugar and chicken broth creates a harmonious balance of savoury and aromatic notes, and even my kids love the tofu and sauce!
Silken tofu is like a blank canvas for flavours, soaking up whatever delicious sauce or seasoning you pair it with. It’s also an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians and vegans.
The magic of this recipe lies in its sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of garlic, chicken broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a hint of sugar. When you gently heat these ingredients together, the garlic becomes golden and fragrant, infusing the sauce with its delightful aroma. The addition of chicken broth adds depth and umami, while the light and dark soy sauces create a balance of saltiness and richness. A touch of sugar rounds out the flavors, providing a subtle sweetness that complements the savoury elements beautifully.
Handling silken tofu can be a bit tricky, but I’ve got a tip for you! When you remove the tofu from its packaging, if it’s being stubborn, simply run a sharp knife along the side. This releases the pressure and helps the tofu gently plop onto your plate. Now, you’re ready to slice it into bite-sized cubes.
Once your tofu is perfectly cubed, it’s time to bring all the elements together. Pour that aromatic sauce over the tofu, letting it seep into every crevice.
No dish is complete without a bit of garnish. Sprinkle some fried shallots on top for a delightful crunch and a burst of extra flavour. Finely chopped green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch that elevates the presentation and taste of the dish.
This Chinese-style silken tofu is traditionally served cold, but you can also serve it warm using a steamer. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or just looking for a quick, healthy meal option, this dish deserves a place in your recipe arsenal. So let’s get to it!
Watch How To Make It
5-Minute Silken Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 packet silken tofu
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 green onion chopped
- 1 tbsp fried shallots
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a small frying pan over low-medium heat. Add the garlic and spring onion (white parts) until it’s golden. Turn off the heat and add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar and chicken broth.
- Carefully remove the silken tofu from its package and drain any excess liquid. Then, place it on a plate.Pro Tip: If the silken tofu is stuck in the packaging, run a sharp knife on the side so it’ll release pressure and help the tofu to plop out.
- Gently slice the tofu into small cubes and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Garnish with fried shallots, finely chopped green onions and serve!