Dried tofu skin is not actually a type of bamboo that we usually eat, but rather the film that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk. It is named as such because it dries into a shape resembling bamboo branches. Some also refer to it as bean curd skin or simply, bean skin. Dried tofu skin is nutritious and suitable for both meat and vegetable dishes, as well as for cooking in various ways like stir-frying, braising, or adding to soups.
Dried Tofu Skin with Pork
Ingredients:
300g pork belly, 200g dried tofu skin, 15g scallions, 10g ginger, 10g rock sugar, 15ml soy sauce, 2g star anise, 1g cinnamon stick, appropriate amount of water, appropriate amount of salt, 25ml peanut oil.
Instructions:
1. Soak the dried tofu skin until soft, rinse it, and cut it into sections. Chop the pork into pieces and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok and add rock sugar. Stir over low heat until it caramelizes, then add the pork to color it.
3. Add soy sauce and stir-fry. Then, add scallions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and water, stirring to mix evenly.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 50 minutes. Add the dried tofu skin.
5. Stir to mix, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes or so.
Home-style Dried Tofu Skin with Pork
Ingredients:
200g dried tofu skin, 100g pork slices, 50g potatoes, appropriate amount of soy sauce, cooking wine, oil, salt, scallions, and ginger.
Instructions:
1. Soak the dried tofu skin in water. Wash scallions and ginger, then cut them into strips and set aside.
2. Cut the pork into strips, marinate with soy sauce and cooking wine, cut potatoes into strips, and cut the dried tofu skin into sections.
3. Heat oil in a pan, add sliced scallions and ginger to sauté until fragrant, then add the pork and stir-fry until it changes color.
4. Add the potatoes and stir-fry, then add the dried tofu skin and mix well. Add an appropriate amount of water.
5. Pour in oyster sauce, an appropriate amount of soy sauce, and salt to taste. Cook until the sauce has thickened and can be served.
Spicy Dried Tofu Skin with Pork
Ingredients:
300g dried tofu skin, 300g pork belly, 10g chili peppers, 20g soy sauce, 7g salt, 10g cooking wine, 30g scallions, 15g ginger, 5g star anise, 30g cornstarch, 70g vegetable oil.
Instructions:
1. Cut the pork belly into cubes of about 2cm, and marinate with soy sauce for a few minutes.
2. Cut scallions into small sections and slice ginger. Soak the dried tofu skin in cold water for 5 hours, then cut it into small sections.
3. Heat oil in a wok, when it's at 90% hot, add the pork belly and fry until it turns red. Remove and drain the oil.
4. Leave some oil in the wok, add scallion sections and dried chili peppers, and sauté until fragrant. Then pour in cooking wine and add the pork belly to stir-fry evenly.
5. Add an appropriate amount of water, then add soy sauce and salt. Add ginger slices. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer until the pork is 80% cooked.
6. Add the dried tofu skin and cook until it is tender and flavorful. Finally, thicken the sauce and serve.
Nutritional Benefits of Dried Tofu Skin
The protein content in dried tofu skin is extremely high, and it also contains a significant amount of glutamic acid, which has excellent brain-boosting effects and can help prevent senile dementia. Additionally, it can help lower cholesterol and prevent high blood lipids. However, those with nephritis or impaired kidney function should consume it in moderation.