If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this chili garlic silken tofu is just the one. The silky, delicate tofu is drenched in a savory, spicy sauce that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
It’s one of those silken tofu recipes that feels effortless but delivers mouth-watering results every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or making a quick side dish for family dinner, this is an easy recipe that everyone will love.
What is Chili Garlic Silken Tofu?
Chili garlic silken tofu is a quick and easy dish made with tender silken tofu topped with a bold chili garlic sauce. Silken tofu is softer than firm tofu, almost custard-like in texture, and it’s perfect for recipes where you want something light yet satisfying.
While many recipes with silken tofu are steamed or cooked, this one is served chilled or at room temperature, making it not only delicious but also incredibly quick to prepare. If you've never worked with silken tofu before, it is ready to eat straight out of the package!
Why You’ll Love Chili Garlic Silken Tofu
- Quick to make: This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Plant-based: This dish is vegan-friendly and perfect for a meatless meal.
- Easy but flavorful: Minimal effort with maximum flavor—exactly what makes silken tofu recipes so great.
- Healthy and light: A refreshing dish that feels satisfying without being heavy.
- Versatile pairing: Enjoy it on its own, as a side, or with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
- Silken Tofu: The star of the dish, with its delicate and custard-like texture. Silken tofu is great for this quick recipe because it is ready to eat straight out of the package!
- Scallion (green parts): Adds a pop of freshness and color to balance the sauce.
- Garlic: Brings an aromatic kick that pairs perfectly with the chili sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the heat and saltiness.
- Soy Sauce: The savory, umami base of the chili garlic sauce.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness that keeps the dish light.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: The spicy, bold flavor that makes the tofu truly mouth-watering.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds nuttiness and a little crunch to the soft tofu.
- Sesame Oil: Brings a rich, toasted aroma that ties the sauce together.
- Water: Helps dissolve sugar and rounds out the sauce.
Customizations
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce depending on how much heat you like.
- Herb swap: Try fresh cilantro instead of scallions for a different flavor profile.
- Extra crunch: Add crushed peanuts or crispy shallots for more texture.
How to Make Chili Garlic Silken Tofu
Prepare the tofu
Carefully remove the silken tofu from its package. Blot gently with a paper towel to remove extra moisture, then slice widthwise into thick rectangles.
Arrange the slices on a shallow plate at a slight angle.
Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, combine scallions, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and water.
Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to help dissolve the sugar, then stir well.
Assemble and serve
Pour the chili garlic sauce evenly over the silken tofu.
Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Storage
Store leftover chili garlic silken tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Handle with care: Silken tofu is very delicate, so use a wide spoon or spatula when transferring it.
- Balance the sauce: Taste the sauce before pouring it—add more sugar if you prefer sweet, or extra vinegar if you want more tang.
- Serve chilled: This dish tastes especially refreshing when the tofu is served cold.
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Chili Garlic Silken Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block silken tofu (16 oz.)
- 1 scallion green parts only, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Carefully remove silken tofu from package. With paper towel, carefully blot tofu to remove excess moisture. Slice tofu width-wise to create thick rectangles then transfer to a shallow plate and lay down on a slight angle.
- Combine scallions, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chili sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and water and mix well. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to dissolve sugar and mix again.
- Pour chili garlic sauce over silken tofu. Enjoy immediately!
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