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Yuxiang doufu (鱼香豆腐)

China

By · Published · Updated

Yu Xiang Tofu illustration, Chinese cuisine, Studio Ghibli style

Tofu with a crispy crust and tender interior, coated in a fragrant sauce of garlic, ginger, and Sichuan paste. A quick dish with bright flavors, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Yu Xiang Tofu recipe step, anime illustration, Umami Guru kitchen

    Cut tofu into cubes about 1.5 cm thick, pat dry with a paper towel and coat in corn starch on both sides, obtaining a thin crust.

  2. Studio Ghibli-style illustration of tofu preparation

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Fry the tofu until golden on one side, then flip and fry the other side. Transfer the cooked tofu to a plate.

  3. Yu Xiang Tofu, Chinese cuisine, anime illustration of cooking process, Ghibli-inspired art

    In a separate bowl, mix Shaoxing rice wine, black rice vinegar, water, sugar and 1 tbsp corn starch, stir well. Set aside.

  4. Studio Ghibli-style illustration of a Yu Xiang Doufu cooking step

    In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil, add ginger, garlic, fresh chili and Sichuan chili paste, stir-fry until fragrant.

  5. Yu Xiang Tofu preparation, Chinese cuisine, Studio Ghibli anime illustration

    Pour the prepared liquid mixture into the pan, stirring constantly.

  6. Ghibli-style anime illustration of tofu being mixed with sauce, capturing a magical culinary moment

    Return the fried tofu to the sauce, gently mix until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the pieces.

  7. Yu Xiang Tofu anime illustration, Studio Ghibli style Chinese cooking

    Garnish the dish with finely chopped green onion and serve immediately.

FAQ

What is Yuxiang Doufu?

Yuxiang Doufu (鱼香豆腐) is a classic Chinese dish featuring crispy tofu coated in a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet 'fish-fragrant' sauce, despite containing no fish.

Can Yuxiang Doufu be made vegetarian?

Yes, our Yuxiang Doufu recipe is inherently vegetarian, focusing on tofu and a flavorful sauce without any meat or fish products.

What ingredients can I substitute in Yuxiang Doufu?

Our Umami Guru app can help you find substitutions for ingredients like Shaoxing wine (e.g., dry sherry) or fresh chili (e.g., chili flakes) if unavailable.

How do you pronounce 鱼香豆腐?

The pronunciation for 鱼香豆腐 is 'Yoo-shee-ang Doh-foo'. The characters mean 'fish-fragrant tofu'.

How long does it take to cook Yuxiang Doufu?

This Yuxiang Doufu recipe can be prepared and cooked in approximately 29 minutes, making it a quick and delicious option for any meal.