Soft Tofu

Soft tofu is a delicate, custard-like soy curd with high moisture and a smooth, jiggly texture. It tastes mild and slightly beany, breaks easily, and excels under gentle heat where it stays silky. Common uses include soups, hot pots, steaming, and chilled dishes, or blending into smoothies, sauces, and desserts; it is sold as refrigerated blocks or shelf-stable aseptic packs labeled soft or silken.

Originating in China, tofu spread throughout East Asia; the soft kinugoshi style became associated with Japan and is also prominent in Chinese and Korean cooking. Modern producers coagulate hot soy milk with calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride and set it without pressing to preserve the tender texture.