Silken Tofu with Spicy Sesame Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp Chinese sesame paste
• 2 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha or spicy chili oil (Use either sriracha or spicy chili oil.)
• 2 tsp Toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp Agave (Add 1 additional teaspoon, as desired, for a sweeter sauce.)
• 2.5 cloves Fresh garlic (Minced; source specifies 2–3 cloves.)
• 16 oz Silken tofu (Drained; 1 block.)
• Room-temperature water (Use only if needed to thin the sauce, adding 1 teaspoon at a time.)
• Toasted sesame seeds (Optional, for garnish; estimated amount 1 teaspoon.)
• Crushed peanuts (Optional, for garnish; estimated amount 1 tablespoon.)
• Green onion (Thinly sliced; optional, for garnish; estimated amount 1 tablespoon.)
• Bird’s eye chili (Thinly sliced; optional, for garnish; estimated amount 1 chili.)
• Fried garlic (Optional, for garnish; estimated amount 1 teaspoon.)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the Chinese sesame paste, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha or spicy chili oil, toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of agave, and minced garlic to a small bowl.

2. 2

   Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. Taste it and add the additional teaspoon of agave if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

3. 3

   Check the consistency. The sauce should be pourable; if it is too thick, whisk in room-temperature water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. 4

   Transfer the drained silken tofu to a shallow serving bowl, taking care not to break its delicate texture.

5. 5

   Pour the spicy sesame sauce over the tofu.

6. 6

   Finish with any preferred combination of toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, sliced green onion, sliced bird’s eye chili, and fried garlic. Serve immediately.

Notes

The recipe is intended to be served cold and requires no cooking. For a warm variation, gently steam or microwave the tofu before adding the sauce. Tahini can substitute for Chinese sesame paste, although Chinese sesame paste has a darker color and richer, toastier flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• light lunch
• side dish
• vegan
• vegetarian
• no-cook
• cold dish
• summer