Silken Tofu with Savory Soy-Sesame Sauce
An Extremely Simple Silken Tofu Dish
Today, we’re making an incredibly simple silken tofu dish topped with a flavorful savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a light meal or snack, offering a delightful texture and taste with minimal effort. The warmth of the gently blanched tofu combined with the zesty, sweet, and savory sauce creates a wonderfully harmonious flavor that everyone can enjoy. It’s a quick and elegant way to enjoy tofu.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 300g) silken tofu
Savory Soy Sauce Dressing
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (or substitute with vinegar if unavailable)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 green onion (scallion), finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (or substitute with vinegar if unavailable)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 green onion (scallion), finely chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently tap the four sides of the tofu package to help loosen the tofu inside. Don’t tap too hard; just a few light taps will do. This helps the tofu slide out neatly without breaking.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully place the entire unopened tofu package into the hot water and blanch for just 1-2 minutes. The goal is to warm the tofu through, not to cook it extensively, as over-blanching can cause it to fall apart.
Step 3
Carefully remove the blanched tofu from the hot water. Peel off the plastic film from the top of the tofu. Be cautious as the tofu and water might be hot.
Step 4
Prepare a serving dish. Gently tilt the tofu block over the dish to drain any excess water that has collected inside. This step concentrates the tofu’s flavor and helps the sauce adhere better.
Step 5
Wash the green onion thoroughly. Slice the green onion into two sections, about 2-3 cm long, and then mince them very finely. One green onion is usually sufficient, but you can use two for a more pronounced flavor. (Save any leftover green onion for other dishes).
Step 6
Finely mincing the green onion will make the dish look more refined. The smaller the pieces, the better they will integrate into the sauce and contribute to a neater presentation.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp water, 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (for a fresh tang; vinegar can be used as a substitute), 1/2 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and finally, 1 tsp sesame oil. Get all your dressing ingredients ready.
Step 8
Add the finely chopped green onion to the dressing ingredients. Stir everything together well with a spoon or small spatula until the ingredients are evenly combined. Mixing for about 1-2 minutes ensures the flavors meld nicely.
Step 9
Arrange the warm, drained silken tofu attractively on a serving plate. While using cold tofu results in a neater appearance without air bubbles, serving it warm makes it incredibly tender and delicious. It’s similar to how tofu in stews becomes more porous and tender as it cooks – the warmth enhances the texture.
Step 10
Drizzle the prepared savory soy sauce dressing evenly over the warm silken tofu. It’s best to add the sauce just before serving to preserve the tofu’s delicate texture.
Step 11
For an extra touch of elegance and color, garnish with a small amount of fresh microgreens (if available) on top of the tofu. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and a hint of fresh flavor.
