Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (2024)

BY :Bebs | Published: | Updated: | 79 Comments

RECIPE PRINT

4.67 from 9 votes

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Try this Taho recipe (Fresh soft tofu with syrup and tapioca pearls) and learn how to make Taho at home easily. This method uses Epsom salt and instant soy milk.

Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (1)

We grew up on this! Taho is a favorite after breakfast treat back when we were small and when we were not so small anymore. I remember having it every morning at weekends and like almost every day during school summer vacation.

Our regular Taho peddler would usually come mid-morning and once we hear him shouting "Tahhoooooo" in his big melodious voice, we would come racing home, leaving whatever we are doing, to get our glasses and some money from our Mama or Papa.

I remember we would always beg him for an extra arnibal(brown sugar syrup) or/and sago (tapioca pearls) and would usually oblige us. I never learned his name, but his face with his thick mustache and a ready smile is forever etched in my memory.

Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (2)

When I was looking for a recipe and I came across a lot of them on the internet. But mostof them are using ready-made silken tofu which also poses the same problem for me since silken tofu is also not that popular in Germany.This means I have to go extra to the nearest Asian shop and it is not that near.

Then there are some who made Taho using gelatin. I was curious and gave it a try. The texture was great, really smooth and it really so simple to make...BUT it has to be eaten cold. It was actually not bad having a cold taho but I miss the one I was used to, a hot/warm Taho. The first picture above is the one made using gelatin and the rest of the photos here are the ones with Epsom salt.

Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (3)

So next I searched for articles on how to make silken tofu. I read a lot and also learned so much. Now I know that I need a coagulant agent to make the soy milk curdle to form taho. Almost all of them are using gypsum, the food grade one of course and not the one you use for your walls. Common coagulants mentioned for making Tofu are calcium sulfate (gypsum), magnesium chloride (nigari), and delta gluconolactone (GDL). But the most practical one I found is using Epsom salt from this post on how to make silken tofu. Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate) is the easiest one to find and also not as expensive as the others.

I just have to change it a bit because the first time I did it, it did not curdle enough so I tried modifying the recipe from what I've learned from the other recipes and from the comments of other people who did it before me. I added cornstarch to make it more stable. I also increased the amounts of Epsom salt and this you have to try and learn on your own. Based on the article, they used ½ teaspoon for 3 cups of homemade soy milk. This ratio did not work for my instant soy milk. But 1 teaspoon for every ¾ cup (188ml) of instant soy milk did the job. I would suggest you try first, making a cup of soy milk with ½ teaspoon and go on from there.

Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (4)
Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (5)
Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (6)
Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (7)
Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (8)
Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (9)

Printable Recipe

Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (10)

Print Review

Homemade Taho Recipe

4.67 from 9 votes

Enjoy warm taho anytime with this Taho recipe. It is really easy. Made from scratch using Epsom salt and instant soy milk.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Course :Breakfast

Servings =2

Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup soy milk - unsweetened (5 grams fat per 100 ml)
  • ½ tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ - 1 teaspoon Epsom salt - level (See NOTE 1)
  • 1 tablespoon water

SYRUP / TOPPING

Instructions

  • Boil water in a kettle. It should be enough for the water bath. Set aside.

  • Prepare a pot and place it on top of the stove. Place a heat-proof bowl big enough for 500ml of liquid in the middle of the pot.

  • In a small cup, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon tap water then add the Epsom salt and stir until dissolved.

  • Pour the Epsom salt mixture into the empty bowl. Add the soy milk to the mixture in a steady stream, not too fast but not too slow. Do NOT stir! Once both mixtures are combined, try not to agitate it or it will not curdle as smoothly.

  • Now, pour the boiling water into the pot, careful not to pour any to the bowl of soy milk, just high enough to be on the same level of the mixture in the bowl.

  • Cover pot with the lid that is covered with clean cloth to absorb the steam and prevent it from dropping back into the Taho mixture.

  • Turn on the stove to very low heat and let it cook in a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the Taho becomes firm to the touch but wiggly. Avoid letting the water boil or the mixture will also boil and will never set. While waiting for the Taho to cook, prepare the arnibal and tapioca pearls.

  • TO MAKE ARNIBAL: In a small pot, combine equal parts of brown sugar and water. Bring it to boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally and let it simmer until it thickens into a syrup (about 7-10 minutes).

  • TO COOK TAPIOCA PEARLS:

  • Boil a half liter of water and add the tapioca pearls. Let it cook for 10 minutes. Place a colander/strainer in a bowl or pot and pour the contents to separate the tapioca from the water. Use the same water and bring it to boil the second time. Wash the strained tapioca pearls thoroughly with tap water and put it back into the boiling water and cook again until they become completely translucent and no more white spot at the core.

  • Using a wide spoon or ladle, make thin scoops of Taho and transfer to a glass. Add some arnibal and Tapioca pearls. Enjoy while warm.

Notes

Note 1. The amount of Epsom salt may vary depending on the soy milk you are using. Try it first using a lower amount from ¼ teaspoon for 1 cup of soy milk. Add more if it does not coagulate. But not too much as Epsom salt is also used as a laxative.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1274mgPotassium: 244mgFiber: 0gSugar: 56gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 8.7mgCalcium: 216mgIron: 1.1mg

Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

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Comments

    What do you think?

  1. Ayy says

    Hello, I just want to share my experience 😅 I used the unsweetened 4% kind and it only coagulated at the bottom in 20 mins. Thank you for the recipe. I will try to experiment more, like you said 😃

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Yes, that is the best thing to do, then write down the exact brands you used and the measurements when you get the correct combination. Feel free to share it here too. 😊

      Reply

  2. WonderCook says

    Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (23)
    I experimented the preparation of taho based on your recipe and recommendation. It was great, consistency was perfect. But the bad side with this recipe, the finished tofu tasted so bitter. I think the proportion of the epsom salt is too much. I read from the other recipe on making silken tofu that epsom salt (or any coagulant if mixed unbalanced would turn the finished tofu taste bitter. Just like what you said, everything is experimental according to your taste. I ll try again and probably reduce the portion of epsom salt. BTW it also said in another recipe guide that you can mix the mixture of the soy milk with the epsom salt and cornstarch solution slowly to balanced the taste of the finished tofu. Might try the same and see what happens. Until my next experiment, I can give a better feedback. Thank you for your wonderful suggestions.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Yes, it could be tricky with the epsom salt. The thing is I made this while in Germany and again here in the Philippines with this measurement, it was not bitter at all. I think it depends on the brand you use. You just have to try and try until you get the texture and taste right, I guess.

      Reply

      • Kristine says

        Where can you buy Epsom salt in the Philippines?

        Reply

        • Bebs says

          I see them sold in some drugstores and supermarkets or online like Lazada or Shopee

          Reply

  3. Je says

    I tried this but for some reason I don’t know, my soy milk didn’t turn to taho pudding.. not even close it just stayed liquid. Help please!

    Reply

  4. April says

    I tried making taho but doubled the ingredients. It did not set. I will do it in small batches like you recommend. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Yup, it works only on small quantities.

      Reply

  5. Jill says

    Hi thanks for this recipe. I have tried making my own soy milk with success and started this procedure with 1/4 tsp Epsom salt but it didn’t set enough within the 20 mins. Do I keep cooking to see if it will set? And if it doesn’t, is this batch then wasted? Or is there something I can use this for?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      You can still drink or eat it. You can try adding more Epsom but make sure your soy milk has high fat per 100ml and not too diluted.

      Reply

  6. michelle says

    the taho does not want to set, did 20 minutes. used 1/4 tsp epsom salt for 1 cup. can epsom salt be added while cooking?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Did you use high-fat content soy milk? Use very low heat and don't allow it to boil. Also don't mix.

      Reply

  7. Che says

    Hello. Is it ok to use sweetened soya milk?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      I have not tried it with sweetened soya, but as long as the fat content is high I think it should work.

      Reply

  8. Fe says

    Thank you po sa masarap na recipe just made it now super yummy po first time kong gumawa.Very simple and easy to make❤

    Fe

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      That is great, Fe. Glad you like it.

      Reply

  9. Jomarie says

    hi..what if there is no available epsom salt, what can you recommend as an altrernative?TIA

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Epsom salt is actually the alternative. You can read it in the post.

      Reply

  10. Sarah G says

    Hi there! Would want to make this but wanted to clear up something.. on the ingredients list, it says 1 tablespoon of water, but i can't find it in the instructions.. also it says 1/8 cup of water should be used to dissolve epsom salt and cornstarch, but not in the ingredient list.. also, i wanted to make 2 cups of soy milk.. should i double the epsom salt and cornstarch amount? TIA.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Sarah, sorry for that, I adjusted it now. Actually, I would recommend doing it in a small quantity, 1 cup at a time. For some reason when we double the amount, it won't set. If you have a large pot then you can do 2 batches at the same time.

      Reply

      • Sarah G says

        Thank you for your response. Will do it in small batches. 😊

        Reply

  11. Zet says

    Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (24)
    Thanks for the recipe. If I will use 3 cups of soy milk, do I need to use 3/4 tsp epsom salt? Should I also increase the amount of cornstarch and water? If the curd is not hard enough, what could have gone wrong?

    How can I store leftover taho? Thanks again

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Zet, do it in 3 batches. I find that when I do it at once in a bigger bowl, it is much more difficult to set.

      Reply

  12. Yvee says

    Hi Bebs. Thank you for this recipe. I tried making this but the cornstarch just sat under the mixture. How do I avoid this?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Yvee, you have to mix it well right before adding the soy milk. The process has to be done quickly or else like you said the cornstarch will start to settle at the bottom.

      Reply

  13. Irene says

    Hi there, can a regular table salt be used instead of epsom?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Oh no, Irene, they both called salt but totally different compounds. Table salt will only make it salty but will still be in the same liquid form.

      Reply

  14. Dora says

    Your instructions are not clear. Non sense procecures.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      That depends on who is reading it, I suppose. I got a lot of comments and messages that they were able to follow it successfully.

      Reply

  15. Derlina says

    Hi Bebs! Thank you for posting Homemade Taho. I will definitely try this recipe. Question on Nutrition Facts this is whole serving, right? How many servings this taho?
    Thank you for all delicious recipe.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Derlina, the servings is stated on the recipe box, it is good for 4.

      Reply

    • Delia Ade ONOJOBI says

      Just stumble with this recipe. I will try it next wk on my holiday as I can't travel out from Ireland this will occupy my time. Thank you.

      Reply

  16. Ernie says

    Hi Bebs,,
    I have epson salt ,but when i read the features of this epson salt,,,this is for BATH SALT / PHARMACEUTICAL / GARDENING... do you think this can be use to ?to make taho?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Ernie, yes, these are the general purposes of Epsom salt and more. It can also work as laxative. As long as it is all-natural without anything else added.

      Reply

  17. Eunice Morf says

    Hi Ms. Bebs

    I just made taho using a silken tofu I bought in a korean store. It went really good with the silken tofu and took the recipe from your arnibal.
    Now, I want to buy Epsom Salt. As I‘ve read in the internet. You can use Epsom Salt for taking a bath?!
    And this I could use it also for my taho?
    Hoping for your fast answer.
    Thank you.
    -Eunice

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Eunice, yes as long as it says all-natural. Without any added fragrance. Epsom salts are also used as a laxative, but you will be using only a bit of it.

      Reply

  18. Zee says

    Hi!, what if I don’t have epsom salt. What can I use instead of epsom salt?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Zee, the alternatives are already mentioned in the post and are maybe much more difficult to find.

      Reply

  19. Arlene Gomez says

    Do I need to use epsom salt? Can I use regular salt?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Arlene, Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is very different from regular salt (sodium chloride). They may look similar but the composition is different. Epsom Salt is not salty at all.

      Reply

  20. carleena says

    I'm excited to try this!

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hope you like it Carleena..

      Reply

  21. Elena says

    I just wanna thank for all the recipes here,you share for all of us,it's a big helped and I've learned a lot from here thanks and keep sharing your home made recipes godbless

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      You are most welcome, Elena.

      Reply

  22. Reese says

    Hi,

    I tried this recipe but mine came out bitter.. i’m not sure what to do next. Any idea?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Reese, I suggest starting with lesser epsom salt, 1/2 level teaspoon. See if that works.

      Reply

  23. Margau says

    Hi,
    Thanks for sharing your recipe. I tried it, the taho consistency was perfect, it looks exactly like the one in the philippines but it has a bitter taste to it. I used 2 1/2 teaspoon of epsom salt for 2 cups of store bought soy milk. Did i used too much? If I will use less, will it still curd nicely? Thanks

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Margau, yes, start with lesser amount of epsom. Like half to 1 teaspoon. Then stick to the brands once you get the correct consistency.

      Reply

  24. Chesca says

    Did you experience loose bowel movement after eating the taho? I 've drank water with dissolved epsom salt in very low concentration, less than 1%, and I experienced an lbm-like situation, because epsom salt is a laxative. I want to try your recipe but scared due to the high concentration of epsom salt. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Chesca, I ate all the batches (one a day) I made while developing this recipe and I didn't have that problem. But then again I did this while in Germany and I use bittersalz which is the German equivalent for epsom salt, also used as laxative. Like I said in the article, you have to start small because the fat content of the soy milk and the coagulant, in this case epsom salt, reacts differently. Try first with 1/2 teaspoon of epsom and see if that already works..

      Reply

  25. Ismael Salud says

    Do you have recipes of longganiza and chorizo from Philippines?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Ismael, I have 2 longganisa recipes Classic Longanisa and Skinless Longganisa. I have tried making chorizo yet, but will keep it in mind..

      Reply

  26. Norm says

    Is this a typo on your recipe ? or I am just misreading your ingredients

    Is there something after 1 tablespoon ??? or are your saying 1 Tbs and then another 1 tsp of constarch

    1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Yes Norm, that means 1 Tablespoon plus another 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.

      Reply

  27. Hazel says

    Hi Bebs,
    Thanks for the recipe, I really want to try making homemade taho but what brand of epsom salt did you use? I have one from my American friend but it's for the bathing or I use it for foot soaks, I did not know you candrink it. I also live in Germany, where did you buy yours?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Hazel, yes, you can use epsom salt for a lot of things. The equivalent in Germany is Bittersalz and you can buy it from the Apotheke.

      Reply

  28. Jas Domingo says

    Greetings! I just want to ask if there's an alternative for epsom salt? Can I use an ordinary salt instead?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Jas, epsom salt is not like salt at all, it is not salty and it has a coagulation property that makes milk curdle to form taho. Like I said in the post, others use the food grade gypsum, epsom is already the alternative.

      Reply

  29. Graeme says

    Not true. Just buy silken tofu instead of doing this. Waste of time and money.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Graeme, if you read above I did mention using silken tofu, only it was not easily available where we lived in Germany and I had to drive 30 kilometers to get to the nearest Asian store to get one. This is for me a lot easier and cheaper actually.

      Reply

  30. Jean says

    Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (25)
    Doesn't Epson salt leave an after taste? I've drank it on its own and... well...

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Jean, it should not leave an aftertaste since we are using just a bit. I hope you didn't drink too much of it since it works as a laxative unless that was your plan...????

      Reply

  31. Francis says

    Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (26)
    Hello madam Bebs,what will be the ratio of soyamilk if i use calcium sulfate,and do i need cornstarch too together with the calcium sukfate?thank you God bless

    Reply

  32. bullet says

    did you use store bought soy milk?thanks

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Bullet, yes! I used store-bought soy milk, the unsweetened one.

      Reply

      • bullet says

        thanks. epsom salt? are they all the same? or do I need to get specific type?

        Reply

        • Bebs says

          Hi Bullet, I think they are all the same.

          Reply

          • bullet says

            thanks.hopefully I can make Taho this weekend.

            Reply

  33. Greg says

    Hi, how much gypsum should I put if I do decide to substitute epsom salt with it? ^^

    Thank you bunches for sharing this! I've been trying to find information like this for a long time ~

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Greg, I haven't tried using gypsum myself but I am pretty sure you will find recipes online that do. ????

      Reply

  34. S says

    Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (27)
    Hi Bebs,

    I have been following your blog for quite some time now! I just love how easy your empanada is, and have tried few other recipes like tocino and longganisa 🙂 quick and easy, going back to Taho making, do you have a substitute for Epsom salt?

    xox
    S

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi S, Thanks for your comment! As for making Taho, Epsom salt is actually the alternative, as it is cheaper and easier to get (for me at least). You can look for Calcium sulfate (food grade gypsum) or also Nigari.:-)

      Reply

  35. Zara says

    I'm pretty sure Hanoi has lots of tapioca pearls. I just have to search patiently. :)) By the way, I hope you can make a mango cake recipe just like the one in red ribbon. Believe it or not, I only trust your recipe because it's "homecook friendly".

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      I do have a recipe Mango Cake. Maybe it is not exactly like the one from Red Ribbon but it is also good. You can omit the mirror top and add more whipped cream and top with fresh ripe mangoes.

      Reply

  36. Zara says

    I love this recipe. My kids will surely love this. I've been seeing a lot of silken tofu at the grocery and I can finally put them to good use. If I can only find small tapioca pearls then I'm off to to a good start.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Zara, I added a link in the recipe where you can buy the small tapioca pearls. I am sure the kiddos will love it! Armin really enjoyed it and he had it for the first time ever.

      Reply

Homemade Taho Recipe from Instant Soy Milk | (2024)

FAQs

Can you make tofu from soy milk? ›

Kinu-Tofu (soft/silken Tofu), as it doesn't have the process of Women-Tofu, simply made by coagulating all of the soy milk, has a smooth and silken texture. It's good for eating fresh.

How to make tofu from soy milk and Epsom salt? ›

Add half of the Epsom salt mixture to soy milk while gently stirring. Use your wooden spoon to stop the soy milk from moving, then add remaining mixture while stirring gently in a figure 8 motion. Once the mixture curds (it will appear gluggy, similar to curdled milk) cover and let sit for 15 minutes.

What is the best coagulant for taho? ›

GDL coagulant makes the softest smoothest silken tofu pudding taho. For firm tofu, use magnesium chloride (nigari) or calcium sulfate (food grade gypsum). These coagulants won't make tofu that is smooth and soft as the ones made with GDL. In a tall 4 cup plastic container mix GDL, cornstarch, and water; set aside.

Why do I react to soy milk but not tofu? ›

On the other hands, patients with secondary soy allergy in adults, who have allergic reactions exclusively to soy milk, but not to tofu, are predominantly sensitized to Gly m 4 (PR-10), possibly due to the cross-reactive pollen allergens.

Why is soy milk heated before making tofu? ›

Heating treatment is the most important step for tofu gel structure formation from soybean protein. During soymilk heating process, hydrophobic region and sulfhydryl groups are exposed, it facilitates soymilk solidification.

Is taho good for the body? ›

It is also an excellent source of iron andcalcium and the minerals manganese, selenium and phosphorous. In addition, tofu is a good source of magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1. Taho can lower LDL and the risk of some cancerscan also do some harm if eaten in excess.

Can I use vinegar to coagulate tofu? ›

Combine the rice vinegar with 1 cup of water to create the coagulant. Carefully and slowly add 1/4 cup of the coagulant to the pot every 1-2 minutes. Gently stir the pot. The acidity will make the soy milk curdle.

What is the English of taho? ›

Taho = Sweet Tofu Pudding.

How long before taho goes bad? ›

A: Taho: To retain its freshness for up to 2 days, make sure to properly store it in the fridge and remove the excess water from the tub. Soy Milk: To retain its freshness for up to 7 days, make sure to properly store it in the fridge.

Is taho Filipino or Chinese? ›

Taho is a Filipino snack or dessert made with tofu, brown sugar syrup (also known as arnibal), and tapioca pearls. In the Philippines, you'll commonly see a man walking down the streets yelling “tahooo!” where he carries on his shoulders buckets of warm tofu and syrup.

What's the difference between tofu and taho? ›

Taho is made from soft tofu, which gives it a smooth and silky texture. It is sweetened with arnibal, a syrup made from caramelized sugar, giving it a distinct sweet flavor. Sago pearls are added to provide a chewy texture.

Can you make tofu skin from soy milk? ›

You should have about 4 cups of soy milk. In a large, clean saucepan, bring the soy milk to just below a simmer. A skin will slowly form on the surface of the soy milk.

How to curdle soy milk for tofu? ›

Pour 1/3 of the nigari solution into the soy milk and gently stir 3-4 times. The mixture should begin to curdle slightly. Pour another 1/3 of the nigari on top, gently stir again, and then cover the mixture and set a timer for 2 minutes to let it coagulate.

Can tofu be made from milk? ›

No. Tofu is made from fermented soybeans. You might be able to make it from soy milk, but you would need a coagulant. I do not know if vinegar or lemon juice would work, or if you would need a specific coagulant.

Is soy milk a byproduct of tofu? ›

Soymilk is very important to tofu producers because it is the intermediate product in the manufacture of tofu.

References

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