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Easy Marinated Silken Tofu With Soy Sesame Sauce

Name: Easy Marinated Silken Tofu With Soy Sesame Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 package silken tofu or soft tofu; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar (Swap with maple syrup or honey); 1 tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds; ½ tsp Gochugaru (or red pepper flakes (optional)); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 green onion (chopped); ½ chili pepper (chopped (optional))

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Marinated silken tofu, coated in a Korean-inspired sauce with soy, crunchy green onions, and sesame seeds, is quick, refreshing, and ready in just 5 minutes!

Silken tofu wasn’t always my go-to snack. Once, I mistook it for cream cheese and confidently spread it on a bagel—cue the most confused breakfast ever! Now, with a proper marinade of soy sauce, sesame seeds, and green onions, it’s my favorite quick dish. Lesson learned: tofu deserves its own spotlight!

Why You’ll Like It

Ready in just 5 minutes, delivering maximum flavour with minimal effort.
Light yet satisfying, it’s packed with bold flavours without feeling heavy.
Perfect for meal prep—I love keeping it in the fridge, ready to enjoy as a quick snack or light meal anytime.
Versatile enough to top off leftover veggie or rice dishes, making them instantly more delicious.
Plus, if you’re a fan of Korean-inspired dishes, tofu is a key ingredient in many recipes like Japchae Mandu (Korean Vegetarian Dumplings), Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Noodles with Tofu), and my easy Vegetable Yaki Udon Stir Fry—all perfect for mixing things up!

For The Perfect Marinated Silken Tofu

Choose the Right Tofu: Use silken or soft tofu for the creamiest texture. Firm or extra-firm tofu won’t provide the same melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Handle with Care: Silken tofu is delicate – so transfer it carefully to avoid breaking it. Drain the tofu by tilting the open package over the sink or gently patting it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place a serving plate over the tofu and invert it onto it for a neat presentation.
Use Fresh Aromatics: To enhance the Korean spicy flavours, use freshly minced garlic, chopped green onion, and chilli.
Enjoy It Cold: This recipe is best enjoyed cold. If you have warm sides, heat them separately to ensure the tofu stays chilled.
If you prefer warm tofu, you can easily adapt:
- Poach it: Gently heat the tofu in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Steam it: Place the tofu in a steamer until warmed through.
- Microwave it: Heat the tofu for about 30 seconds to quickly bring it to a warm temperature.

What You Need

TOFU

Silken Tofu (1 package): Silken tofu is the star of the dish– soft and creamy, making it ideal for this recipe. Use soft tofu as an alternative, but avoid firm tofu for this preparation.

SAUCE INGREDIENTS

Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a savoury, umami base. Substitute freely with tamari.
Sugar (1 tsp): Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. Use honey or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Adds nuttiness and depth. Use toasted sesame oil for an extra robust flavour.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (1/2 tsp): Adds crunch and a toasty aroma. Replace with crushed peanuts or cashews for a different texture.
Aromatics
- Garlic (2 cloves),
- Green Onion (1 green onion),
- Chilli (1/2 chilli pepper)

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Gochugaru/Chili Flakes (1/2 tsp): Provides a spicy kick. Skip this or use smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavour.

Save The Marinated Silken Tofu For Later

Refrigeration: Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Serve cold or bring to room temperature. Avoid reheating, as the tofu’s texture may change.

Serving The Korean Silken Tofu

This silken tofu is traditionally served cold, straight from the fridge, making it a convenient and refreshing dish, especially during the summer. You can serve

chilled or at room temperature,
with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and chopped green onion,
with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
As a Spread: Include in an Asian-inspired dinner alongside dumplings, spring rolls, or miso soup.

For More Korean Recipes:

Health Info

Korean Style Marinated Silken Tofu Recipe

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Pin Recipe

Description

Marinated silken tofu, coated in a Korean-inspired sauce with soy, crunchy green onions, and sesame seeds, is quick, refreshing, and ready in just 5 minutes!

Ingredients

Tofu:

1 package silken tofu or soft tofu

Sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar Swap with maple syrup or honey
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp toasted sesame seeds
½ tsp Gochugaru or red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cloves garlic minced
1 green onion chopped
½ chili pepper chopped (optional)

Instructions

Carefully drain the silken tofu by tilting the open package over the sink or patting it gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place a serving plate over the tofu and invert it onto the plate for presentation.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar or honey, sesame oil, sesame seeds, minced garlic, green onion, and Gochugaru or chili flakes (if using). Add chopped chili pepper for extra heat, if desired.
Pour the sauce evenly over the tofu, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Serve as-is or pair with steamed rice, noodles, or as part of a larger meal spread.

Recipe Notes:

This silken tofu is traditionally served cold, straight from the fridge, making it a refreshing dish for hot summer days.
Prefer it warm? Here’s how to do it:
- Poach it: Heat the tofu gently in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Steam it: Place the tofu in a steamer until warmed through.
- Microwave it: Heat for about 30 seconds for a quick warm-up.

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