Cold Silken Tofu with Chilli Oil and Spring Onion
Chilled silken tofu with savoury tamari, tangy vinegar and a generous spoonful of crunchy chilli oil.
Made with Chinese chilli oil. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time10 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.61 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Drain the silken tofu very carefully, keeping each block whole. Pat gently with kitchen paper and chill if you have time.
- 2
Mix the tamari, vinegar and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- 3
Slide the tofu onto a serving plate. Cut it into rough slabs or spoon it into a shallow bowl.
- 4
Pour the tamari mixture around and over the tofu.
- 5
Spoon your ready made Chinese chilli oil (see the base recipe) over the top, then scatter with the spring onions, coriander and sesame seeds. Serve cold.
Tips
- Silken tofu is delicate. Slide it out of the pack on a plate rather than lifting it.
- Chill the tofu well. The cold, soft tofu against the hot chilli oil is the point of the dish.
- Add a spoon of crispy shallots or toasted peanuts if allergies allow, for crunch.
Storing and freezing
Best served at once. Keeps 1 day in the fridge, covered, once dressed. Do not freeze.
Questions
Is this a main or a starter?
Usually a starter or side dish. Serve with rice and a green vegetable for a light meal.
Can I use firm tofu?
Yes, but the texture is firmer and less silky. Use steamed or pressed firm tofu in cubes instead.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, with gluten free tamari and chilli oil from the base recipe. It is also dairy free, egg free, nut free and vegan.
More made with chinese chilli oil
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.