Silken tofu, a delicate and smooth variety of tofu, offers a fantastic blank canvas for creating light and flavorful meals. Its versatility allows for both savory and sweet dishes, making it a perfect protein source for vegetarians and vegans. Here, we’ll explore some exciting silken tofu recipes for a delightful and healthy dinner.
1. Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta with Silken Tofu “Ricotta”
This vibrant pasta dish is packed with fresh flavors and a creamy, protein-rich sauce.
Ingredients:
1 package (14 oz) silken tofu, drained
Directions:
1. In a blender, combine drained tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the blended tofu mixture and fresh basil. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions.
6. Drain the pasta and toss it with the creamy tomato sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts: (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 400
2. Spicy Peanut Noodles with Silken Tofu Scramble
This Asian-inspired dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for a satisfying yet light dinner.
Ingredients:
1 package (14 oz) silken tofu, drained and crumbled
Directions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Saute crumbled tofu in the pan for 2-3 minutes, until slightly browned.
4. Add chopped vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened.
5. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. While the sauce simmers, cook rice noodles according to package directions.
7. Drain the noodles and add them to the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Toss to coat.
8. (Optional) Stir in cooked chicken for additional protein.
9. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts: (Per Serving with Chicken)
Calories: Approximately 500
Conclusion
These are just two examples of the endless possibilities when it comes to creating delicious and healthy meals with silken tofu. With its versatility and protein content, silken tofu shines as a fantastic ingredient for light and flavorful dinners. So, get creative in the kitchen and explore the world of silken tofu recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I substitute another type of tofu for silken tofu in these recipes?
Regular firm tofu can be used as a substitute in a pinch. However, you’ll need to crumble it finely or mash it to achieve a similar texture to silken tofu.
2. What other vegetables can I add to these recipes?
Feel free to experiment with various vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, snap peas, or spinach.
3. How can I store leftover silken tofu dishes?
