Silken Tofu With Spicy Soy Dressing

Updated July 25, 2023

• Total Time: 5 minutes

• Rating: 5 (3,592 ratings)

• Comments: Read 255 comments

This recipe draws inspiration from East Asian cold silken tofu preparations, such as Japanese hiyayakko and Chinese liangban tofu. A practical addition to any home cook’s repertoire, this no-cook dish shines on warm evenings when the motivation to cook feels nonexistent. Silky-smooth tofu is coated in a bold soy-based dressing, yielding a vibrant, flavor-forward dish with minimal effort.

The tofu is best served cold, though allowing it to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes can mellow its sharp chill. Customize the dish with fresh herbs like Thai basil, mint, or shiso leaves, or add textural contrast with fried shallots or roasted peanuts. Salty, fermented elements—such as kimchi, pickled radish, or ja choi (also known as zha cai, a Sichuan pickled mustard root)—also complement the dish beautifully.

One block of silken tofu typically serves two. For a heartier meal, pair it with hot rice or noodles to create a satisfying contrast of temperatures.

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