Silken Tofu with Soy Sauce (Xiao Cong Ban Dou Fu)

This recipe is adapted from Fuschia Dunlop’s Every Grain of Rice, which we reviewed in February 2021. In her headnote, Dunlop describes the silken tofu as “tender as crème caramel,” and she’s right. This dish is super easy to put together, and it’s way more delightful than it might appear.

Serves 2 to 4.

Ingredients

Silken Tofu with Soy Sauce, prepared from a recipe adapted from ‘Every Grain of Rice’ by Fuchsia Dunlop

7 ounces (200 g) silken tofu

2 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced

1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil or other neutral cooking oil

2 tablespoons light soy sauce diluted with 1 tablespoon water or 1 1/2 tablespoons tamari diluted with 1 1/2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. Turn the block of silken tofu out onto a serving dish. Cut the block into 1/8 inch (1/2 cm) slices, then push down gently so the slices lean towards one end of the dish, as shown in the photo. Scatter the sliced scallions over the tofu.

2. Heat the oil in a wok or small pan until it is hot enough to produce a dramatic sizzle when you drip it onto the scallions (test a few drops to make sure). Then pour the rest of the hot oil all over the scallions, which will begin to smell delicious as they sizzle. Pour over the diluted soy sauce and the sesame oil and serve.


Silken Tofu with Soy Sauce (Xiao Cong Ban Dou Fu)

Silken Tofu with Soy Sauce (Xiao Cong Ban Dou Fu)

Yield: Serves 2 to 4.
Author: Recipe by Fuchsia Dunlop; headnote and adaptation by Leslie Brenner
This recipe is adapted from Fuschia Dunlop’s Every Grain of Rice, which we reviewed in February 2021. In her headnote, Dunlop describes the silken tofu as “tender as crème caramel,” and she’s right. This dish is super easy to put together, and it’s way more delightful than it might appear.

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces (200 g) silken tofu
  • 2 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil or other neutral cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce diluted with 1 tablespoon water or 1 1/2 tablespoons tamari diluted with 1 1/2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Turn the block of silken tofu out onto a serving dish. Cut the block into 1/8 inch (1/2 cm) slices, then push down gently so the slices lean towards one end of the dish, as shown in the photo. Scatter the sliced scallions over the tofu.
  2. Heat the oil in a wok or small pan until it is hot enough to produce a dramatic sizzle when you drip it onto the scallions (test a few drops to make sure). Then pour the rest of the hot oil all over the scallions, which will begin to smell delicious as they sizzle. Pour over the diluted soy sauce and the sesame oil and serve.
Every Grain of Rice silken tofu, Chinese tofu appetizer recipe, Chinese silken tofu recipes, best recipe for silken tofu with soy sauce
Appetizers, Side Dishes, Healthy Dishes
Chinese
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @cookswithoutborders on Instagram and hashtag it # cookswithoutborders