Silken Tofu with Garlic Onion Soy Sauce (vegan, gluten-free)

picture of silken tofu and rice with chopsticks on the side

This silken tofu with garlic onion soy sauce is a traditional Chinese dish commonly served cold. It comes together quick and is packed with flavor. Hardly any cooking is involved and you can make it in 5 minutes or less. The silky, soft tofu paired with the savory garlic onion soy sauce is amazing. There is a little bit of spice and when served with rice, makes a delicious meal.

If you haven’t had silken tofu before, it is a lot more delicate and soft than regular tofu. You need to handle it carefully when you remove it out of the box. The texture is very smooth and you can eat it cold or hot. If you want to serve it warm you can steam it on a plate or carefully boil it whole for 1-2 minutes  It is also commonly used in vegan desserts as well, like my no bake chocolate silk pie that is to die for!

This silken tofu with garlic onion soy sauce is a great meal to make when you don’t feel like cooking or don’t have much time. You only need a handful of ingredients to make the sauce and everything just comes together quick. I love how simple, yet flavorful this dish is. It is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant based protein!

silken tofu with garlic onion soy sauce and rice photo picture of silken tofu and rice with chopsticks on the side close up picture of silken tofu with garlic onion soy sauce

Silken Tofu with Garlic Onion Soy Sauce (vegan, gluten-free)

This silken tofu with garlic onion soy sauce can be made in less than 5 minutes and is packed with flavor. It's the perfect weeknight meal!
Print Recipe
picture of silken tofu and rice with chopsticks on the side

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 oz) box silken tofu
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp pure organic cane sugar
  • 2 tsp black vinegar
  • 1 tbsp spicy chili crisp (I used Lao Gan Ma)

Instructions

  • Carefully open the box of tofu and drain the excess water. Place tofu on a large plate (silken tofu is really delicate). Let the tofu sit for 10 minutes because it will continue to release water. Pour excess water out. You can also steam the tofu on a plate for 6-8 minutes (in the whole form) or boil it for 1-2 minutes if you want this to be a hot dish. I like it cold or room temperature.
  • Heat oil in a small pot on medium heat. Once oil is hot, add the garlic and chopped green onions. Stir continuously for about 45-60 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic. Turn heat to low. Add the rest of the sauce ingredients. Stir for another 30 seconds.
  • Drizzle sauce over the cold (or hot) tofu. Use a spoon to serve the tofu or you can cut it with a knife. Enjoy with steamed rice!
Servings: 2
Author: valeria.chao