Back to list

Best Easy Hairy Tofu Recipe

Name: Best Easy Hairy Tofu Recipe
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 130 g
Ingredients: hairy (fermented) tofu blocks 16 oz; scallions 2 pieces; fresh cilantro 0.25 cup; soy sauce 3 tbsp; rice vinegar 1 tbsp; chili oil 1 tbsp; sugar 0.5 tsp; neutral oil 3 tbsp

Fermented tofu develops a distinctive white mold coating and is pan-fried until crispy in this Anhui specialty. A regional curiosity rich in protein, this vegetarian delicacy offers a unique umami flavor unlike any other tofu dish.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 185 kcal

#vegetarian #high protein #mediterranean

Image coming soon

Ingredients

Main ingredients

hairy (fermented) tofu blocks 16 oz
scallions 2 pieces
fresh cilantro 0.25 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

soy sauce 3 tbsp
rice vinegar 1 tbsp
chili oil 1 tbsp
sugar 0.5 tsp
neutral oil 3 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 7 g 15%

Protein 16 g 35%

Fat 11 g 50%

Serving size 130g

Cooking steps

1

Cut hairy fermented tofu blocks into thick slices, about 1-inch thick, to ensure the texture remains soft inside and crisp outside.
2

Pat tofu slices gently with a paper towel to wick away excess moisture, being careful to preserve the delicate mold coating.
3

Heat neutral oil in a nonstick or seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering, but not smoking.
4

Pan-fry tofu slices without crowding, turning every 2–3 minutes, until all sides develop an even, golden-crisp crust, about 10–12 minutes total.
5

Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sugar in a bowl to create a dipping sauce; whisk until sugar dissolves.
6

Place pan-fried tofu on a serving platter, top with sliced scallions and fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What ingredient gives Hairy Tofu its distinctive flavor and character?

The defining ingredient is the hairy (fermented) tofu itself, which features a unique white mold coating developed through fermentation. This process imparts deep umami, a signature aroma, and a soft-in-the-center, crispy-outside texture that distinguishes Anhui’s Hairy Tofu from other tofu dishes.

Q. What is the most important cooking tip for preparing Hairy Tofu at home?

Maintaining the right heat control is critical: fry the tofu over medium heat so that the exterior becomes golden and crispy while the mold layer and inside stay tender. Avoid high heat, which can burn the delicate crust, and don’t overcrowd the pan for even browning.

Q. How can I keep the tofu from falling apart or losing its signature texture?

Use a gentle touch when handling and turning the tofu to keep its mold intact. Patting dry before frying reduces splatter and helps the crust crisp up. Fry in batches to prevent sticking—this ensures a contrast between the soft center and crunchy surface.

Q. How nutritious is Hairy Tofu? Is it high in protein?

Each serving of Hairy Tofu contains about 185 kcal with 16g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. Approximately 35% of the calories come from protein, making it a rich vegetarian protein option that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Best Easy Hairy Tofu Recipe

AI 영양사 앤디