Name: Microwave-Steamed with Soy Chili Sauce: Silken Tofu
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) silken tofu, drained; 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce; 1/2 tbsp (7.5 ml) Korean soup soy sauce (gukganjang), optional; 1 tbsp (15 ml) water; 2 -3 tsp (4–6 g) Korean chili flakes (gochugaru); 2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil; 2 tsp (6 g) toasted sesame seeds; 1 green onion, finely chopped

This direct silken tofu recipe features Korean-style tofu, steamed in the microwave and topped with a bold soy chili sauce. Light, comforting, and ready in just 5 minutes — steady as a short side or lighter snack.

Years ago while vacationing in Korea, we fractured our femur in an ATV accident and ended up in the hospital for several days. The only thing we could manage to eat during our recovery was this unfussy dish: warm silken tofu, drizzled with a savory soy chili sauce.

That silky-soft texture and mild flavor were exactly what we needed — soothing, nourishing, and direct to swallow. Even now, it remains one of our favorite comfort foods.

Silken tofu with soy chili sauce served warm and ready to eat

This version is our go-to direct silken tofu recipe, made in just minutes using the microwave and a few pantry staples. We've tried poaching and steaming silken tofu in boiling water, but the microwave is by far the quickest, cleanest method — no pots to wash, and the texture turns out just right.

Featured Review

“This was the steady recipe for leftover tofu! The steady comfort food, so fast and no clean up. Thank you for sharing”
Rose

Why we Keep Coming Back to This Silken Tofu

Ready in 5 minutes (no stove or steamer needed)
Lighter and protein-rich without feeling heavy
Pairs beautifully with rice for a fast meal or banchan
Delivers comfort food vibes with zero cleanup

The Easiest Way to Make Silken Tofu (Microwave Method)

Here’s a short step-by-step to show how direct it is to prepare this dish. Full instructions are in the recipe card below.

Mix the soy chili sauce: Stir together soy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, and aromatics in a small bowl.

Warm the tofu: Carefully place the silken tofu on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

Drizzle and serve: Spoon the sauce over the tofu and serve as-is or sliced, warm with rice.

Cook’s Note:

For this recipe, use Korean silken tofu, often labeled as sundubu (순두부) — the delicate, unpressed kind that’s also used in dishes like our soft tofu stew with seafood . It has a smooth, spoonable texture and comes in either a tube or block.

Don’t confuse it with Korean “soft tofu (찌개용),” which is slightly firmer and better suited for soups or stews where it needs to hold its shape.

Serving and Storage Tip

This dish is best served right away while the tofu is warm and soft. The chili soy sauce seeps into every bite and pairs evenly with a bowl of hot rice.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can eat it cold or warm it slightly in the microwave before serving.

Yield: 4 people
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 2 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) silken tofu, drained
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1/2 tbsp (7.5 ml) Korean soup soy sauce (gukganjang), optional
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
2 -3 tsp (4–6 g) Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
2 tsp (6 g) toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion, finely chopped

Method

To make soy chili sauce; mix all the soy chili sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
To steam the tofu, take the tofu out of the package and place on a microwave safe dish. Heat it up for 1-2 minutes until hot.
Drizzle the soy chili sauce over the entire block of tofu, or slice the tofu into 2-4 pieces and place them on an individual dish, then drizzle the sauce over the tofu. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Optional Methods : If you don’t have a microwave, you can also steam or poach the tofu. Just heat it gently — silken tofu is delicate and falls apart easily.

Poaching method: Drop the entire unopened package of tofu in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Carefully open the package and slide the tofu out onto a serving dish. (If you are not comfortable with the plastic package in boiling water, use the microwave or steaming method instead)

Steaming method: Bring a pot of water to boil with a steamer in it. Put a block of tofu on a heat-proof plate and place it on the steamer. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 3-5 minutes.