Silken Tofu

Silken tofu, also known as soft tofu or Japanese tofu, is a type of tofu made with gypsum as a coagulant. It is beloved for its delicate and smooth texture. During cooking, silken tofu easily absorbs flavors, making it ideal for dishes like soups, salads, and other light dishes where its tender texture can shine through.

Many people enjoy eating silken tofu because it can be prepared in numerous ways and there are many tips and tricks for making it. Once you learn these techniques, handling it becomes easy! Let's learn together!

1.Regarding silken tofu:

The origin of tofu is closely associated with Liu An, the King of Huainan, who was the grandson of Liu Bang. Apart from his work "Huainanzi," he was also a fervent alchemist. During his alchemical experiments, Liu An accidentally curdled soy milk with gypsum, resulting in the creation of tofu through a chemical transformation. This invention not only enriched culinary culture but also made a significant contribution to human dietary habits, making tofu a popular delicacy enjoyed worldwide.

2.How to choose silken tofu:

Fresh silken tofu can typically be found in the refrigerated section of Chinese/Asian grocery stores. It is commonly packaged in plastic containers, and you can check the expiration date on the packaging for freshness.

If you have plenty of time and are interested in making silken tofu at home, you can do so with just soybeans and gypsum.

After soaking the soybeans, blend them into soy milk using a blender or a soy milk maker. Then, strain the blended soy milk. Boil the strained soy milk and add gypsum to coagulate it. Finally, pour the mixture into a mold and press it to compact the tofu, forming solid tofu blocks.

3.How to completely remove silken tofu:

Turn the box upside down and make small cuts with a knife at the four corners. This allows air to circulate inside, making it much easier to remove the tofu.

Turn the package upside down, tear open the packaging, and gently use a knife to cut open the edges at the four corners, aiming to prevent sticking along the edges.

Place a plate over the tofu, gently flip it over, give it a firm tap, and then lightly tap the surface of the container. The tofu will come out easily.

4.To prepare a sauce:

To season silken tofu, simply pour light soy sauce into a bowl like I do, add a small amount of water and cornstarch, stir evenly, and blend it with the cooked vegetables.

This is my favorite method, straightforward and not complicated. Friends who prefer other flavors can innovate based on their own taste preferences.

5.Another way to enjoy silken tofu:

Combining silken tofu with eggs can create a dish called silken tofu egg custard, which is both simple and delicious.

Cold tossed silken tofu is a refreshing dish where silken tofu is mixed with light soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili oil, creating a appetizing appetizer.

Silken tofu can also be used to make soup or broth. By thickening and seasoning, you can create a smooth and delicious soup.

Today I'm going to share a simple and delicious home-cooked dish using silken tofu. This dish not only satisfies our taste buds but also provides us with rich nutrition. In this scorching summer day, why not try making this refreshing and tasty delicacy!