Fresh Silken Tofu Recipe

By
Kumiko Mitarai
Kumiko Mitarai
Kumiko Mitarai wrote the "Technique of the Week" column for Serious Eats. In it, she demonstrated cooking techniques that seem easy but are hardly ever explained.
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Updated March 06, 2019
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This is the most sure-fire method that I have tried. I have gotten smooth, custard-like tofu with this recipe every time.

But I've had no success using manufactured soy milk to make tofu. If you are lucky enough to live close to a freshly made soy milk source, then you can skip the step of preparing your own. Making your own soy milk, however, is the least expensive and freshest option.

For a full demonstration on how to make the soy milk and tofu, see this slideshow.

Recipe Details

Fresh Silken Tofu Recipe

Active 25 mins
Total 85 mins
Serves 6 servings
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Ingredients

  • One batch homemade soy milk (see recipe), about 3 cups, chilled

  • 1/2 teaspoon Epsom salt or magnesium chloride (nigari) dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

  • Optional garnishes such as dried bonito flakes, soy sauce or ponzu sauce, freshly grated ginger, finely chopped cucumber, chopped scallion

Directions

  1. Pour the Epsom salt or magnesium chloride coagulant solution into the soy milk, using a spoon to blend them together with a couple of gentle plunging motions.

  2. Taking care not to agitate the mixture too much, distribute it among 6 1⁄2-cup heatproof bowls, cups or ramekins.

  3. Place the filled dishes in a pan that is deep enough to accommodate them. Pour simmering water into the pan so that it reaches the same level as the soy milk mixture.

  4. Cover the pan with a lid that is lined with a clean, dry dish towel (fold up the edges over the lid to prevent the towel from catching fire) and simmer gently over low heat until the tofu is just set. It should jiggle like a custard. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness and material of your dishes, but should be roughly 10 minutes. If you use larger dishes, it will take a little longer.

  5. Carefully remove the dishes from their water bath and allow the tofu to set a little further for about 10 minutes at room temperature.

  6. Serve warm or chilled. The tofu can be served directly in their little bowls or inverted onto a small dish. Some serving suggestions: garnish with lemon zest, finely chopped cucumber, and sea salt flakes; dried bonito flakes and ponzu sauce; freshly grated ginger, chopped scallion, and soy sauce.

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
50Calories
2gFat
4gCarbs
3gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories50
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 0g1%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 60mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 4g1%
Dietary Fiber 0g2%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 149mg11%
Iron 1mg3%
Potassium 149mg3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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