Let’s be real—some tofu recipes feel boring.
But this one? It’s fresh, tangy, and cozy all at once.
Silken tofu gets steamed till warm and tender, then soaked in the dreamiest plum sauce with bright little hits of lemongrass.
It’s super simple, and it feels like something you’d get at a fancy little restaurant.
🍽️ Makes: 2 servings
⏱️ Total time: 20 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, I made this tofu for a quiet dinner once and now it’s a regular favorite. It’s comforting but bright, light but still filling.
- Lemongrass and plum sauce are a total flavor match.
- Steaming the tofu makes it extra creamy.
- It feels fancy, but takes less than 30 minutes.
- I love serving it with steamed rice or just on its own.
What You’ll Need
- 1 block silken tofu (14 oz)
- 3 tablespoons sweet plum sauce
- 1 stalk fresh lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated
- Fresh cilantro or scallions, for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
✔️ Handle silken tofu gently—it breaks easily.
✔️ Slice the lemongrass super thin so it’s tender, not tough.
✔️ Steam the tofu just until warmed through, about 7-8 minutes.
✔️ Taste your plum sauce—some brands are sweeter, some tangier.
✔️ Double the sauce and save extra for dipping veggies later!
Tools You’ll Need
- Bamboo or metal steamer
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Serving plate
Substitutions & Variations
- No plum sauce? Use hoisin sauce + a little apricot jam.
- No lemongrass? Try thin strips of basil or mint for a fresh pop.
- Make it spicy: Add a drizzle of chili crisp on top.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the sauce 1-2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
How to Make Lemongrass Plum Sauce Silken Tofu
Step 1: Prep the Lemongrass
Trim the lemongrass stalk, peel off the tough outer layers, and slice the tender part super thin.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sweet plum sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and the sliced lemongrass.
Step 3: Prep the Tofu
Carefully remove the silken tofu from its package and place it onto a heatproof plate. Pat it gently with a paper towel to remove excess water.
Step 4: Steam the Tofu
Place the plate of tofu in a bamboo steamer over boiling water. Steam for 7-8 minutes until warmed through but still holding its shape.
Step 5: Spoon on the Sauce
Carefully remove the tofu from the steamer. Spoon the lemongrass plum sauce over the warm tofu, letting it pool around the base.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or scallions if you like. Serve warm, right away.
🍱 Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently by steaming again or warming in the microwave.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Steaming silken tofu keeps it moist and tender without drying it out.
- The sugar + vinegar combo in plum sauce balances sweet, sour, and umami, making the tofu shine.
- Lemongrass oils release when thinly sliced, adding bright citrus notes.
Meal Plan Ideas
- Serve with jasmine rice and stir-fried bok choy for a light dinner.
- Add as a side to grilled salmon or chicken.
- Pair with cold soba noodles for a refreshing summer meal.
Common Mistakes
⚠️ Don’t skip drying the tofu—it’ll be too watery.
⚠️ Don’t over-steam or the tofu will fall apart.
⚠️ Slice lemongrass super thin—thick pieces stay tough.
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Garlic sautéed bok choy or spinach
- Light cucumber salad
- Hot tea or sparkling water with lemon
FAQ
Q: Can I use firm tofu instead of silken?
A: You can, but it’ll be less creamy and delicate.
Q: What if I don’t have a steamer?
A: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed.
Q: Is plum sauce vegan?
A: Most are, but check the label to be sure.
Ready to Try It?
I hope this little dish brings a fresh, cozy vibe to your table. I’d love to hear how it turns out—leave a comment below and let me know what you think or if you have any questions!