Umami Guru › Recipes

Jiao Yan Dou Fu (椒盐豆腐)

China

By · Published · Updated

Jiao Yan Dou Fu, Chinese tofu, Ghibli-inspired illustration

Tofu with a crispy golden crust, aromatic salt and pepper blend. The dish cooks quickly, preserving the tenderness of the tofu and the rich aroma of the spices.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Chinese cuisine Jiao Yan Dou Fu, cooking step, Ghibli‑style illustration

    Cut tofu into cubes about 2.5 cm.

  2. Chinese cuisine, Jiao Yan Dou Fu, anime illustration of the cooking process

    Sift flour, corn starch, and baking powder into a large bowl, add ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper mixture and mix well.

  3. Chinese cuisine, tofu, flour mixture, anime-style cooking illustration

    Pat the tofu cubes dry with a paper towel and coat them in the prepared flour mixture, removing excess.

  4. Illustration of a tofu cooking step, Chinese cuisine, Studio Ghibli-inspired watercolor style

    Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium‑high heat, fry the tofu until golden, then remove onto a paper towel.

  5. Chinese dish Jiao Yan Dou Fu, anime-style illustration of the cooking process

    In the remaining oil in the pan, stir‑fry shallot, chili and garlic for about 1 minute.

  6. Jiao Yan Dou Fu preparation, Chinese cuisine, anime illustration

    Return the fried tofu to the pan, add sliced green onion and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper mixture, toss quickly and serve.

  7. Jiao Yan Dou Fu anime-style cooking illustration with spices, Studio Ghibli

    In a separate dry pan, toast Sichuan pepper, star anise, sesame, anise seeds and salt until fragrant, then grind in a mortar.

  8. Jiao Yan Dou Fu preparation, anime illustration, Studio Ghibli style

    Mix the toasted spices with the tofu and serve the dish hot.

FAQ

What is Jiao Yan Dou Fu?

Jiao Yan Dou Fu (椒盐豆腐) is a traditional Chinese dish featuring tender tofu with a crispy golden crust, seasoned with an aromatic salt and pepper blend.

Can I make this Jiao Yan Dou Fu recipe vegan?

Yes, this Jiao Yan Dou Fu recipe is inherently vegan, using plant-based ingredients like tofu, flour, corn starch, and vegetable oil.

How can Umami Guru help me cook this dish?

Our Umami Guru app provides AI-assisted cooking guidance, helps calculate dish costs, and suggests ingredient substitutions if something isn't available.

What ingredients do I need for Jiao Yan Dou Fu?

You'll need tofu, flour, corn starch, baking powder, a salt and pepper mixture (including Sichuan pepper, star anise, sesame, anise seeds), vegetable oil, shallot, chili, garlic, and green onion.

What can I serve with Jiao Yan Dou Fu?

Jiao Yan Dou Fu is delicious on its own as an appetizer, or served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.