Silken tofu is soft with a smooth and silky appearance and consistency. It comes in a box with only a small amount of liquid and it’s shelf-stable, unlike traditional water-packed tofu. Silken tofu is sold in soft, firm, and extra-firm varieties, yet each has a creamy texture. The recipes that you can make with silken tofu are endless!

Two boxes of silken tofu on a counter top with a red tea towel behind them.

What is the difference between block tofu and silken tofu?

Silken tofu is made using a slightly different process than traditional block tofu. Silken tofu is made without curdling the soy milk and it is not pressed during the process. This allows the tofu to retain its moisture while cooling and gives it a soft and smooth texture.

Silken tofu is more fragile than block tofu and will fall apart if squeezed or pressed. This makes it great for blending into smoothies, sauces, desserts, and creamy condiments.

A vegan chocolate cream pie with a border of vegan whipped cream around the edge.
Vegan Chocolate Cream Pie

Does the firmness of the silken tofu matter?

All silken tofu is soft even though it is categorized as soft, firm, or extra firm on the boxes. There is only a slight difference between the different varieties. I usually use firm or extra firm since it gives my blended recipes a little more firmness, but the difference is negligible.

Where is silken tofu in the grocery store?

Silken tofu is usually found in the Asian section of large grocery stores. Although it is shelf-stable, I have also found it in the refrigerated section next to traditional block tofu.
I usually buy my silken tofu at my local Asian market or by the case on Amazon. It is usually much less expensive there. If you buy it by the case it turns out to be about $1.59 per block, plus it is shelf stable for up to 1 year, so it’s okay to stock up.

What is silken tofu best for?

Silken tofu is best used in recipes that call for the tofu to be blended. I love the texture that it gives to chocolate cream pie and in sauces like creamy tofu alfredo sauce and tofu mac & cheese. Blended with some spices, silken tofu makes a delicious mock sour cream too!

A colorful little bowl filled with homemade vegan sour cream with a spoonful over it.
Tofu sour cream

Recipes that use silken tofu

Recipes that use silken tofu instead of eggs

Two halfs of a bagel with a tofu scramble made with silken tofu on top and sprinkled with pieces of green onions.
Silken tofu scramble

Recipes that use silken tofu in place of cream

It’s also great in

Silken tofu pasta sauce over pasta with tomatoes and a red tea towel behind it.
Tofu Cream Sauce

Frequently asked questions?

Can I substitute soft tofu for silken tofu?

Yes, you can swap out water-packed soft tofu for silken tofu in most recipes, however, soft block tofu is not as silky and creamy as silken tofu.

Can I fry silken tofu?

Block tofu is better for frying. Silken tofu is very fragile and tends to break apart when you flip it or move it around. You can fry silken tofu very carefully, but it will probably break apart a little. However, you can use it in tofu scrambles since you want it broken up anyway.

Is silken tofu healthy?

Silken tofu is high in protein, low in fat, and a good source of iron and calcium.

Do I press silken tofu?

There is no need to press silken tofu. Simply pour off the small about of liquid that comes in the carton and you are ready to use it. (Also, if you tried to press it, the tofu would just crumble.)

A top view of a bowl of pasta with a tofu cheese sauce with parsley sprinkled on top.
Silken tofu mac & cheese.

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite way to use silken tofu!