Steamed Silken Tofu with Savory Sauce
Steamed silken tofu has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting but effortless. I still remember the first time I tasted it at a small family-run restaurant—soft, barely warm tofu drenched in a savory, aromatic sauce that felt far more luxurious than the effort required to make it. At home, this dish has become our go-to when we need a quick dinner or a light yet satisfying meal. It’s simple, nourishing, and deeply flavorful in that quiet, elegant way that lets good ingredients shine.
Table of Contents
- About This Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Steamed Silken Tofu with Savory Sauce
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
About This Recipe
This Steamed Silken Tofu with Savory Sauce is all about balance—delicate tofu paired with bold umami flavors. The tofu is gently steamed just until warmed through, then finished with a fragrant sauce made from soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil. Topped with crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, and crispy scallions, this dish proves that minimal cooking can still deliver maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
- Colorful: Packed with a variety of vibrant vegetables.
- Healthy: Low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process.
- Versatile: Can be served hot or cold, as a main dish or side.
Key Ingredients
- Silken Tofu – The star of the dish, prized for its smooth, custardy texture
- Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and savory warmth
- Spring Onions – Provide freshness and gentle onion flavor
- Bird Eye Chili – Brings sharp heat and brightness
- Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbal finish
- Sesame Oil – Lends nutty richness to the sauce
- Soy Sauce – Forms the salty, umami base
- Chinese Black Vinegar – Adds tangy depth and complexity
- Vegan Oyster Sauce – Enhances savoriness with subtle sweetness
- Sugar – Balances salt and acidity
- Chili Oil – Adds heat and aromatic richness
- Peanuts – Bring crunch and nuttiness
- Crispy Scallions or Crispy Shallots – Add texture and savory contrast
How To Make Steamed Silken Tofu with Savory Sauce
- Prepare all ingredients: Finely chop the white and green parts of scallions, chopped birds eye chilies, fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, and slice the silken tofu.
- Line up the tofu slices in a large bowl.
- Mix the sauce by combining minced garlic, grated ginger, finely chopped green onions, sugar, sesame oil, light soy sauce, black vinegar, vegetarian oyster sauce, and chili oil.
- Steam the Tofu slices for 5-6 minutes.
- Drain the excess liquid after the tofu has been steamed.
- Drizzle the savory sauce over the tofu slices.
- Garnish with finely chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and fried scallions.
- Enjoy with a side of rice or as is!
Have It Your Way!
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili oil or fresh chopped chilies
- Add protein: Top with edamame or crispy tofu cubes
- Go extra aromatic: Finish with hot oil poured over garlic and scallions
- Serve it differently: Pair with jasmine rice, congee, or cold noodles
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Values are approximate and will vary based on toppings.
Health Benefits
- High in plant-based protein – Silken tofu supports muscle health
- Heart-friendly fats – Sesame oil and peanuts provide healthy fats
- Gut-supporting ingredients – Fermented sauces aid digestion
- Low in cholesterol – Naturally heart-healthy and vegan
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Steamed Silken Tofu with Savory Sauce
Steamed Silken Tofu with Savory Sauce is a quick, comforting vegan dish layered with bold umami flavors, fresh herbs, and crunchy toppings.
Ingredients
- 400 g silken tofu
- 1 tbsp Garlic Minced
- 2 Scallion finely chopped
- 2 Bird’s Eye Chillies finely chopped
- 1 ½ tsp sesame Oil
- 1 ½ tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar
- ½ tbsp Vegan Oyster Sauce
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Chilli oil
- 3 tbsp Peanuts Roasted
- 1 tbsp Crispy Scallion or Crispy Shallots
- Cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: Finely chop the white and green parts of scallions, chopped birds eye chilies, fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, and slice the silken tofu.
- Line up the tofu slices in a large bowl.
- Mix the sauce by combining minced garlic, grated ginger, finely chopped green onions, sugar, sesame oil, light soy sauce, black vinegar, vegetarian oyster sauce, and chili oil.
- Steam the Tofu slices for 5-6 minutes.
- Drain the excess liquid after the tofu has been steamed.
- Drizzle the savory sauce over the tofu slices.
- Garnish with finely chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and fried scallions.
- Enjoy with a side of rice or as is!
Notes
- Sauté well: Make sure to sauté the onion and tomato base well for maximum flavor.
- Pressure cook time: 5-6 minutes is usually enough for baby potatoes.
- Crush kasoori methi: Always crush it between your palms before adding—it releases more aroma.
- Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it great for meal prep!
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 210kcal
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