19 Chinese Fermented Tofu Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
Fermented tofu, also known as "fu ru" in Chinese, is a staple ingredient in many Chinese dishes. This unique and flavorful ingredient has a distinct aroma and taste that adds depth and complexity to any dish it is added to. Made from soybeans, "fu ru" is a popular fermented food in Chinese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. Here is a traditional Chinese fermented tofu recipe that will help you bring the authentic flavors of China to your kitchen.
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, then you've probably had egg drop soup before. But did you know you can easily make it at home? This simple and comforting soup is made with just a few ingredients, including eggs, chicken broth, and cornstarch for thickening. It's the perfect starter for any Chinese-inspired meal.
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Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
Char siu, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a staple in Cantonese cuisine. This sweet and sticky dish is made by marinating pork in a sauce made from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. The pork is then roasted until it's caramelized and tender. Serve it over rice or in noodle dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Hot pot, or huoguo, is a popular Chinese dish that involves cooking various meats, vegetables, and noodles in a simmering pot of broth. It's a communal meal where everyone can cook their own food and customize their own dipping sauces. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
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Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
If you're looking for a healthier and plant-based version of Chinese chow mein, then this recipe is for you. Made with gluten-free rice noodles, tofu, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. It's also a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
This Chinese-inspired salad is a refreshing and light option for a meal or side dish. Made with shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, and crispy wonton strips, it's a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dressing is made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, giving it a tangy and savory taste.
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Char Siu or Chinese BBQ Roast Pork
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic
This is another version of the popular Chinese BBQ pork dish, but this recipe uses a slow cooker for an easier and more hands-off approach. The pork is marinated in a sauce made from garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. It's then cooked until it's tender and flavorful.
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Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
Congee, also known as jook, is a popular Chinese breakfast dish. It's made by cooking rice in a large amount of water until it becomes a thick and creamy porridge. It's often served with a variety of toppings, such as green onions, crispy wonton strips, and pickled vegetables. It's a comforting and nourishing way to start your day.
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Vegetarian Chinese Potsticker Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shredded
Potstickers, also known as gyoza, are a type of Chinese dumpling that are typically filled with a combination of pork and cabbage. But for a vegetarian option, this recipe uses a filling made from tofu, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions. They're pan-fried until crispy and served with a soy sauce dipping sauce.
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Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
This is another variation of Chinese BBQ pork, but this recipe uses a pressure cooker for a faster cooking time. The pork is marinated in a sauce made from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. It's then cooked until it's tender and delicious.
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Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
Lo mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish that usually features a variety of meats and vegetables. But for a vegetarian option, this recipe uses tofu, carrots, cabbage, and green onions. The noodles are cooked in a sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, giving it a savory and tangy flavor.
This refreshing and healthy salad is a great option for a light meal or side dish. The base is made from romaine lettuce, cucumber, and carrots. It's then topped with tofu, avocado, and crispy wonton strips. The dressing is made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, giving it a sweet and tangy taste.
This soup, also known as cilantro soup, is a popular dish in Chinese households. It's made by boiling cilantro, tofu, and ginger in a chicken broth base. It's a simple yet flavorful soup that is often served as a starter or side dish.
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Chinese Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Garlic, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Honey
Roast duck is a popular Chinese dish that is usually reserved for special occasions. This flavorful and tender meat is often served with a hoisin sauce for dipping. It's a delicious and impressive dish that will impress your friends and family.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often served as a side dish or main course. This recipe uses rice, carrots, peas, and green onions for a simple and delicious fried rice. You can also add in your choice of protein, such as chicken or shrimp.
Dumplings, also known as potstickers, are a beloved Chinese dish that are often served as an appetizer or side dish. This recipe uses a filling made from pork, cabbage, and green onions. The dumplings are pan-fried until crispy and served with a soy sauce dipping sauce.
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Chinese Mongolian Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cellophane Noodles, Bok Choy, Tofu, Chicken
This hot pot variation is inspired by the flavors of Mongolia. It involves cooking lamb, mushrooms, vegetables, and noodles in a simmering pot of broth. The broth is flavored with ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.
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Nutritarian Chinese Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Celery, Green Onion, Shredded Carrots, Mushrooms
Lettuce wraps are a popular dish at Chinese restaurants, but they can also be made at home. This recipe uses a filling made from tofu, carrots, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. It's flavored with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Serve it in butter lettuce cups for a healthy and delicious meal.
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Sweet and Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (aka Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
This is another variation of Chinese BBQ pork, but this recipe uses a grill for a smoky and charred flavor. The pork is marinated in a sauce made from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. It's then grilled until it's caramelized and delicious.
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Chinese Tomato Tofu Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Medium Tomatoes, Tofu, Cooking Oil, Salt, Sugar
This stir fry is a tasty and healthy option for a weeknight dinner. It's made with tofu, tomatoes, and green onions and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It's a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Chinese Pizza with Ginger Garlic Tofu
Main Ingredients: Hoisin Sauce, Red Pepper, Green Onion, Chopped
This unique and delicious pizza is inspired by the flavors of Chinese cuisine. The pizza crust is topped with a ginger garlic tofu sauce, vegetables, and cheese. It's a fun and tasty twist on traditional pizza that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
The Process of Making Chinese Fermented Tofu
Step 1: Preparing the Soybeans
To start, you will need to soak soybeans overnight in water to soften them. This step is crucial as it helps to speed up the fermentation process. The next day, drain the water and rinse the soybeans thoroughly.
Step 2: Cooking the Soybeans
Next, steam the soybeans until they are soft and tender. This will take about 45 minutes to an hour. Once cooked, let them cool down completely.
Step 3: Mixing the Soybeans and Starter Culture
In a large bowl, mash the cooled soybeans using a fork or potato masher. Add in the fermentation starter culture, which can be purchased at most Asian grocery stores, and mix well.
Step 4: Pressing and Fermenting the Tofu
Place the mashed soybeans into a clean and airtight container. Use a tofu press or a heavy object, such as a can of food, to press the mixture down. This will help to remove any excess liquid and create a firmer tofu. Seal the container tightly and let it ferment for 3-4 days at room temperature.
Step 5: Storing the Fermented Tofu
After the fermentation process, the tofu will have a pungent smell and a creamy texture. This is a sign that it is ready to be stored. Transfer the fermented tofu to a jar and add some rice wine vinegar and soy sauce for added flavor. Store the jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Using Chinese Fermented Tofu in Cooking
Fermented tofu has a distinct flavor that is both salty and savory, making it a versatile ingredient in Chinese cooking. It can be used as a condiment, added to soups, stir-fries, and even used as a marinade for meats. Its unique flavor profile adds a depth of umami to any dish, making it a must-have ingredient in your pantry.
In addition to its flavor, fermented tofu also offers several health benefits. It is rich in probiotics, which help to promote a healthy gut and improve digestion. It is also a good source of protein and calcium, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
In conclusion, Chinese fermented tofu is a delicious and healthy ingredient that is easy to make at home. With this recipe, you can now bring the authentic flavors of China to your kitchen and experiment with new and exciting dishes. So why not give it a try and add this flavorful ingredient to your cooking repertoire?
