If you have seen tofu in tetra packs being sold at online stores such as Amazon, and wondered what kind of tofu is that, and how is it different, this article will answer your questions. When I first saw a tofu brand, “Morinaga” or “Mori-Nu”, I had the same questions. It had the words “silken tofu” and “extra firm” on the same pack. Usually, the words firm and extra firm are associated with the regular tofu. Can silken tofu be extra firm as well? Let’s get the answers.
What Is Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is the softer variety of tofu which has been made without curdling soy milk. A coagulant is added to soy milk, and it is sealed in containers which are then heated in a steam chamber. Tofu with a soft and silky consistency is formed in the sealed containers, and is aptly called silken tofu.
Silken tofu is sold in specialized packing, similar to tetra, which does not need refrigeration until opened. That makes it easy to buy and store.
Regular tofu, is different in the way it is made. Boiled soy milk is first curdled by adding a coagulant, then the curds are pressed to remove water and form a block of tofu. Regular tofu is good when it’s fresh. However, in several markets, including India, it is really difficult to buy fresh tofu. Silken tofu solves that problem.
Silken Tofu Can Be Firm or Extra Firm
Silken tofu can be purchased in firm and extra firm variants. These are made using denser soy milk, meaning less water in the milk. Just know that extra firm silken tofu will still be softer compared to any variant of regular tofu.
Silken Tofu Has A Neutral Flavor
Silken Tofu has a neutral flavor, which makes it versatile food. It can be added to both sweet and savory dishes.
Silken Tofu Can Be Used As an Egg Replacement
Silken tofu can be an egg replacement. For example, a Middle Eastern dish – Shakshuka – is originally made using eggs. A vegan version of Shakshuka can be made using silken tofu. No change to the recipe is needed, except that dollops of silken tofu can be used instead of fresh eggs.
Other common recipes in which silken tofu can be used are smoothies, puddings, soups, and deep-fried snacks.
Now that you have been introduced to silken tofu, go ahead and buy a pack. It is time to try something new.
For any clarification or feedback, please write a comment using the comment form below. I will be happy to respond.
Happy cooking.