16 Dried Bean Curd Recipe Chinese Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Dried bean curd, also known as tofu in Chinese cuisine, is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made from the curds of soy milk, it is a staple in many Chinese dishes and is packed with protein, iron, and calcium. It also has a mild flavor, making it the perfect canvas for a variety of seasonings and flavors. In this article, we will explore one of the most popular dried bean curd recipes in Chinese cuisine and learn how to make it at home.
This refreshing and light Chinese dried bean curd salad is the perfect summer dish. The combination of crunchy vegetables, marinated tofu, and tangy dressing creates a burst of flavors in every bite. The best part is, it's incredibly easy to make!
To make this dish, start by marinating thinly sliced tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. While the tofu is soaking up all those delicious flavors, chop up some carrots, cucumbers, and red bell peppers. Once the tofu is ready, toss it together with the veggies and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for some extra crunch. Serve this dish as a side or add some protein like chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
This classic Chinese chicken salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Crunchy romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, and sliced almonds are tossed together with juicy chicken breast and a homemade sesame dressing. It's a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for those hot summer days.
To make this salad, start by poaching chicken breast in a flavorful broth of ginger, garlic, and scallions. Once cooked, shred the chicken and let it cool while you prepare the other ingredients. Toss everything together with the dressing and top with crispy wonton strips for some added texture. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy veggies.
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Chinese Chicken Salad + Orange-Ginger Sesame Dressing
Main Ingredients: Rice Wine Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Orange
Take your Chinese chicken salad to the next level with this tangy and flavorful orange-ginger sesame dressing. The combination of orange juice, ginger, and sesame oil creates a deliciously sweet and savory dressing that pairs perfectly with the crispy lettuce and chicken.
To make the dressing, simply whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. Toss with your favorite salad ingredients and enjoy a burst of refreshing flavors in every bite. This dressing can also be used as a marinade for chicken or tofu, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
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Lighter Chinese Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Soy Sauce, Rice Wine
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to the classic Chinese chicken salad, this lighter version is perfect for you. Instead of fried wontons, this recipe uses crispy rice noodles for some added crunch. The dressing is also made with reduced sodium soy sauce and olive oil for a lighter, but still delicious, option.
To make this dish, start by baking the rice noodles in the oven until they turn golden brown. While the noodles are baking, prepare the dressing by whisking together soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. Toss everything together with shredded cabbage and sliced chicken breast for a light and flavorful meal.
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Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
Congee, also known as Chinese rice porridge, is a popular breakfast dish in many Asian countries. It's made by slow-cooking rice in a flavorful broth until it becomes a thick and creamy consistency. Congee can be served plain, but it's often topped with savory ingredients like shredded chicken, fried shallots, and sliced scallions.
To make this dish, start by simmering rice in chicken broth until it becomes thick and creamy. Add your choice of toppings like shredded chicken, fried shallots, and scallions. You can also add other ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg for a heartier meal. Congee is the ultimate comfort food and a great way to start your day.
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Chinese Edamame
Main Ingredients: Edamame, Water, Salt, Star Anises, Sichuan Peppercorn
Edamame, or steamed soybeans, is a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine. These little beans are not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. They can be served as a side dish or as a healthy snack.
To make Chinese edamame, simply steam the beans in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender. Drain and toss with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar for some added flavor. This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and easy-to-make appetizer.
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Skinny Chinese Chicken Soup
Main Ingredients: Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth, Mushrooms, Reduced Sodium
This light and flavorful Chinese chicken soup is perfect for those who are looking for a healthier option. It's made with chicken broth, lean chicken breast, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and bok choy. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for a cold winter day.
To make this soup, start by cooking the chicken breast in a pot of chicken broth until it's fully cooked. Add in the veggies and let them simmer until they are tender. You can also add some noodles or rice for a heartier meal. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and low in calories.
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Fried Chinese Rolls
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Sesame Oil, Soy, White Cabbage, Carrot
These crispy and delicious fried Chinese rolls are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They are filled with a mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and cabbage, and then deep-fried until golden brown. The combination of savory filling and crunchy exterior creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
To make these rolls, start by cooking the filling on the stovetop until it's fully cooked. Then, wrap the filling in egg roll wrappers and deep-fry them until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
Put a Chinese twist on a Mexican favorite with these delicious Chinese chicken tacos. The combination of Asian flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, with the traditional taco ingredients creates a unique and delicious dish.
To make these tacos, marinate chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Grill or bake the chicken until it's fully cooked, and then slice it into strips. Assemble your tacos with the chicken, shredded cabbage, and your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime. This dish is a perfect fusion of flavors that will surely become a new family favorite.
This Chinese chicken pasta salad is a great option for a light lunch or a side dish for your next potluck. The combination of noodles, chicken, and veggies, tossed in a homemade sesame dressing, creates a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.
To make this salad, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions and let it cool. Prepare the dressing by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. Toss everything together with cooked chicken, shredded carrots, and sliced bell peppers. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
This traditional Chinese dessert, also known as nian gao, is a must-have during Chinese New Year celebrations. It's made with glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water, and then steamed until it becomes a sticky and sweet cake.
To make this dessert, combine glutinous rice flour with sugar and water until it forms a thick batter. Pour the batter into a greased pan and steam for about an hour until it's fully cooked. Let it cool and then slice it into squares. This delicious and sweet dessert is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
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Instant Pot Braised Beef (Chinese-Style)
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Ginger, Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise Pods
This Chinese-style braised beef is the ultimate comfort food. The tender and flavorful meat is cooked in a rich and savory sauce until it falls apart with every bite. It's a perfect dish for a chilly day when you're craving something warm and comforting.
To make this dish, start by browning the beef in an Instant Pot using the sauté function. Then, add in the rest of the ingredients, including soy sauce, star anise, and Chinese five-spice powder, and let it cook for an hour. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice.
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Chinese Chitterlings Hot Pot Base
Main Ingredients: Chitterlings, Scallions, Ginger, Vegetable Oil, Beef
Hot pot, also known as Chinese fondue, is a popular dish for social gatherings in Chinese cuisine. The chitterlings hot pot base is a flavorful and spicy broth that's perfect for cooking a variety of ingredients like thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and seafood.
To make this hot pot base, simmer chitterlings, or pig intestines, with a variety of herbs and spices like ginger, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. Once the broth is ready, you can add in your choice of ingredients and cook them in the hot pot until they are fully cooked. This dish is not only delicious but also a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with your loved ones.
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Chinese Spicy Hot Bean Curd
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Green Onions, Minced Ginger, Minced Garlic
This spicy hot bean curd dish, also known as mapo tofu, is a staple in Sichuan cuisine. It's made with tofu, minced pork, and a spicy and flavorful sauce made with fermented chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns. It's a dish that's packed with heat and bold flavors.
To make this dish, start by cooking the minced pork in a saucepan until it's fully cooked. Then, add in the tofu and the sauce, and let it simmer until the flavors are well combined. Serve this dish with a bowl of steamed rice to balance out the spiciness.
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Chinese No-Clay-Pot Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Soy, Sugar, Toasted Sesame Oil, Cornstarch, Boneless
This Chinese chicken casserole is a healthier and easier version of the traditional clay pot chicken dish. It's made with chicken breast, mushrooms, and other veggies, and then baked in the oven until it's fully cooked. It's a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
To make this casserole, simply mix together all the ingredients in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked. You can also add other ingredients like bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or baby corn for some extra flavor and texture.
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Chinese Chicken Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing
Main Ingredients: Kale, Carrots, Edamame, Jicama, Radishes, Orange
This Chinese chicken kale salad is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet. The combination of kale, cabbage, and carrots, tossed with a delicious and creamy peanut dressing, creates a healthy and flavorful dish that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
To make this salad, start by massaging the kale with a bit of olive oil to soften it up. Toss it together with shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced chicken breast. Drizzle the peanut dressing on top and enjoy a satisfying and nutrient-packed meal.
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How to Cook Them the Chinese Way
Main Ingredients: Frozen Edamame, Water, Salt, Star Anise, Light Soy
Chinese cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, and there are many different techniques and cooking methods used in Chinese cooking. From stir-frying to steaming to braising, each method brings out different flavors and textures in the food.
Stir-frying is a popular method in Chinese cooking, where ingredients are cooked quickly over high heat in a wok. This technique not only allows the food to retain its nutrients but also creates a smoky and delicious flavor. Steaming is another common method, especially for cooking seafood and vegetables. It's a healthier option as it doesn't require any oil, and it also helps to retain the natural flavors of the food. Braising involves cooking food in a flavorful liquid for an extended period, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes like braised beef or pork belly.
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Ngoh Hiang (Chinese Five-Spice Pork Roll)
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Shrimp, Large Egg, Light Soya Sauce, Fine
Ngoh Hiang, also known as Chinese five-spice pork roll, is a popular street food in Singapore. It's made with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and spices, wrapped in bean curd skin, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. It's a delicious and savory snack that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
To make this dish, start by combining the pork and shrimp with five-spice powder, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Roll the mixture into small pieces and wrap them in bean curd skin. Deep-fry until they are crispy and serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce. These little rolls are packed with flavor and make a great appetizer or snack.
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Red Bean and Coconut Rice Cake Chinese New Year Dessert
Main Ingredients: Red Beans, Brown Sugar, Salt, Glutinous Rice Flour
This Chinese New Year dessert combines two popular ingredients in Chinese cuisine - red beans and coconut. The combination of the sweet and creamy coconut milk with the nutty and earthy flavor of red beans creates a delicious and unique dessert that's perfect for celebrating the new year.
To make this dessert, cook red beans in a mixture of water, sugar, and pandan leaves until they are soft and tender. In a separate pot, cook glutinous rice with coconut milk and sugar until it becomes sticky and sweet. Combine the two mixtures and let it cool in a pan until it's fully set. Cut into squares and enjoy this delicious and festive dessert.
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Chinese Coconut Red Bean Soup with Tapioca Pearls
Main Ingredients: Water, Tapioca Pearls, Small Red Beans, Rock Sugar
Coconut red bean soup, also known as dou sha tang, is a classic Chinese dessert that's often served at the end of a meal. This sweet and creamy soup is made with red beans, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls. It's a comforting and delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
To make this soup, cook the red beans in a pot of water until they are fully cooked and soft. Then, add in coconut milk and sugar and continue to cook until it becomes thick and creamy. In a separate pot, cook tapioca pearls until they become translucent and add them to the soup. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference, and enjoy this delicious and comforting dessert.
The Origin of Dried Bean Curd
The History of Tofu in Chinese Cuisine
Dried bean curd, or tofu, has a long history in Chinese cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) and was initially used as a meat substitute for Buddhist monks who followed a vegetarian diet. Over time, it became a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking, and its versatility and health benefits made it a staple in many households.
The Recipe: Dried Bean Curd with Black Bean Sauce
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this delicious dried bean curd recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 block of dried bean curd, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons of black bean sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
To prepare the dried bean curd, place the cubes in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the black bean sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar. Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the onions and bell pepper to the pan and cook until softened.
4. Add the dried bean curd cubes to the pan, stirring gently to avoid breaking them.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the dried bean curd and vegetables, and stir to evenly coat everything.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the dried bean curd is heated through.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions if desired.
The Health Benefits of Dried Bean Curd
Rich in Protein and Nutrients
Dried bean curd is not only delicious, but it is also highly nutritious. It is a great source of plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. It is also rich in iron, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.
Low in Calories and Fat
One of the key benefits of using dried bean curd in your meals is its low calorie and fat content. It is a great option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. Its low fat content also makes it a heart-healthy choice.
In conclusion, dried bean curd is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that is a staple in Chinese cuisine. This recipe for dried bean curd with black bean sauce is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this traditional ingredient. Give it a try and experience the delicious flavors and health benefits of dried bean curd.
