Matcha Tofu Pudding (Vegan, 5 Ingredients)
This is the pudding I make when I want dessert without turning the kitchen upside down: silken tofu whisked smooth, warmed soy milk with matcha and a whisper of agar, chilled until just set. The result is silky, lightly sweet, and carries that pleasant matcha bitterness that makes Japanese sweets so easy to eat.
Five core ingredients, 15 minutes of work, and each serving quietly delivers 7 g of protein — because the whole thing is essentially tofu and soy milk in disguise.
Ingredients
- Silken tofu5 oz
- Unsweetened soy milk2/3 cup
- Cane sugar2 1/2 Tbsp
- Matcha1 tsp, or more to taste
- Agar powder (kanten)see substitutions1/3 tsp
- Vanilla extracta dash
- Goji berries (optional)to garnish
Nutrition
per serving🛒 Ingredient notes & substitutions
Agar powder: Sold as "agar agar" in US health stores and online — it's the traditional Japanese setting agent (kanten) and what keeps this fully plant-based. Don't swap in gelatin quantities one-to-one; agar sets much more firmly, so measure carefully.
Matcha: Culinary-grade matcha is perfect here. You can also swap it for cocoa powder or kinako (roasted soybean flour) for a whole different pudding from the same base.
Instructions
Wrap the tofu in paper towels to draw out the moisture, then whisk it in a bowl until completely smooth (a food processor works too). For the silkiest result, push it through a fine sieve.
Combine the soy milk, sugar, matcha and agar in a small pot and whisk until lump-free. Turn on the heat and cook over low, stirring, until it bubbles gently around the edges — then keep it there for about 2 more minutes so the agar fully dissolves. Strain.
Whisk the warm soy milk mixture and the vanilla into the tofu until evenly combined.
Pour into small cups. Once the steam subsides, chill in the fridge for 2–3 hours. Top with goji berries and serve.
Tips
Adjust the matcha and sugar to taste — 1 teaspoon gives a gentle bitterness; matcha lovers can push to 2.
A drizzle of maple syrup or a little Japanese kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) on top is wonderful.