Silken Tofu Cilantro Lime Sauce Blog Image
August 20, 2024

Silken Tofu Cilantro Lime Sauce

This Cilantro Lime Sauce is tangy, rich, and creamy but completely dairy-free! A combination of silken tofu and cashews adds body and richness to the sauce, while just a teaspoon of miso adds an underlying umami flavor. The mustard isn’t for flavor but rather to emulsify the sauce. Without it, you may notice some separation over time in the fridge. If this happens, you can just mix it back together, but the mustard will help the sauce last longer (up to five days as opposed to two to three without it). 

Tips:

  • Make sure you are using silken tofu, not firm; otherwise, your sauce will turn out very thick and grainy. 
  • Soaking the cashews helps to soften them, making them easier to blend into a smooth mixture. Be sure to use raw, not toasted, cashews for a neutral flavor.
  • Try sunflower or pumpkin seeds (raw, not toasted) for a nut-free option. 

You can use any type of miso you have on hand, but in general, white/yellow miso is sweeter and milder in flavor, while red miso is saltier and offers a deeper umami flavor. For this sauce, I prefer white or yellow miso.

How to Use:

This Cilantro Lime Sauce pairs deliciously with latin-inspired flavors. Try it with some Plant-Based Whole30 tacos, plant-based chili, stuffed sweet potatoes, or as a dip for veggies or baked tofu.

Silken Tofu Cilantro Lime Sauce

Silken Tofu Cilantro Lime Sauce Blog Image
Recipe and photos by: Ellie Yamanaka
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Silken Tofu Cilantro Lime Sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 150 g silken tofu
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
  • 1 tsp miso paste
  • 2-3 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/8 tsp salt or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup cilantro

Instructions

  • ADD all ingredients to a blender and blend until combined.
  • TASTE and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
  • STORE in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Ellie Yamanaka from ellielikescooking wearing a white top and smiling at the camera.

Ellie Yamanaka

Ellie Yamanaka is a food photographer and recipe developer who loves making simple, feel-good plant-based recipes that don't compromise on taste or nutrition. She's been making messes in the kitchen since she was 12, and after finishing university 10 years later, she decided to trade in her nutrition degree for a camera and a kitchen. Through her food blog Ellie Likes Cooking, she hopes to inspire others to eat more plants and get creative in the kitchen.