Chinese Silken Tofu

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5 from 2 votes

This Chinese Silken Tofu dish is a quick way to make a delicious, spicy cold tofu dish at home!

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Chinese

Servings:

Author: Chris Joe

Ingredients

1 package of silken soft tofu package size is 14oz
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp chili oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp ginger grated
2 cloves garlic grated
2 scallions chopped
1/2 tbsp sesame seeds

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Remove the tofu from the package and cut horizontally into 1/2" slabs.
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, scallions, and sesame seeds.
Transfer the tofu onto a plate and fan out the pieces at an angle. Pour the sauce over the tofu and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to use Silken or Soft Tofu. This type of tofu has the most water content and will be the softest of the varieties you'll find in your grocery store. It's silky and very pliable due to this high water content, similar to the consistency of a soft cheese.

Drain the Tofu - Peel the cover off the tofu package and place several layers of paper towel over the tofu package; flip over on to a plate. You want to drain the liquid out of the package, which can take 1-2 minutes. Draining the liquid will help the tofu absorb the dressing better and not be diluted.

How to Remove the Tofu - Soft or silken tofu is very delicate, so here are my tips on removing the silken tofu from the package without breaking it:

- After draining, remove paper towels and place a plate on top of the tofu package. Flip the tofu package and plate so the tofu package is now upside down ON the plate.

- If needed, you can cut small openings in the corners of the package - this helps air get into the tofu package and makes it easier to remove the tofu.

- Gently lift the tofu package up and remove. The whole piece of silken tofu should now be on the plate.

How to Eat This Dish - Chinese Silken Tofu is very fragile and delicate; therefore, I do not recommend eating it or trying to break off a piece with chopsticks. Rather, you should use a spoon to scoop the tofu up with some of the dressing. I personally like this dish after it has sat in the marinade for at least a couple hours - I find that it becomes more flavorful!

Storage - Chinese Silken Tofu can be stored up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish doesn't require reheating unless you prefer it warm. You may find that the tofu continues to shed liquid; this is normal.

Nutrition