tiger skin tofu recipe

How to Make Tiger Skin Tofu: A Complete Guide

Tiger skin tofu, a beloved Chinese dish, gets its name from the crispy, golden-brown crust resembling tiger stripes. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: Firm tofu (300g), minced pork (50g), soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, ginger, garlic, scallions, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.

Steps:

1. Prep the tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 2cm cubes. Pat dry and coat evenly with cornstarch.

2. Make the filling: Sauté minced pork with ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt until cooked. Add soy sauce, a dash of Shaoxing wine, and a little sugar for flavor. Set aside.

3. Fry the tofu: Heat oil in a wok (170°C). Deep-fry tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain.

4. Simmer and crisp: In a clean pan, add 2 tbsp oil, stir-fry ginger and garlic until fragrant. Return tofu to the pan, add the pork filling, and pour in a sauce of 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tsp sugar, and 50ml water. Simmer for 2 minutes, then gently shake the pan to avoid breaking the tofu.

5. Finish: Sprinkle with chopped scallions. For extra crispiness, increase heat briefly to caramelize the sauce.

Serve hot with steamed rice for a delicious, protein-packed meal! Enjoy the crispy exterior and tender interior with savory flavors.