How to Use Shanghai Bean Curd?
I recently picked up a jar of “Shanghai bean curd in brine” and while I know it works well in bao, I’m curious about other ways to incorporate it into meals. Any suggestions on different dishes or recipes where I can use this ingredient?
Shanghai bean curd, often referred to as fermented or pickled tofu, can be quite versatile in your cooking. Here are several ways to use it beyond bao:
Stir-Fries: Cut the bean curd into cubes and add it to vegetable stir-fries. It pairs well with bell peppers, mushrooms, and bok choy, adding a savory depth to the dish.
Soups: Incorporate it into soups, like miso or hot and sour soup. The tofu will absorb the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Salads: Toss it into salads for added texture and flavor. It works particularly well in Asian-style salads with sesame dressing, along with ingredients like cucumber, carrots, and cabbage.
Fried Rice: Add cubes of Shanghai bean curd to fried rice for an extra layer of flavor. It complements the dish well and adds some protein.
Noodle Dishes: Incorporate it into noodle dishes such as stir-fried noodles, pad thai, or cold noodle salads.
Dumplings: Use it as a filling for dumplings or spring rolls, mixing it with vegetables and seasonings.
Spread: Mash it up and mix with spices to create a flavorful spread for crackers or toast.
Grilled Skewers: Marinate the bean curd with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then skewer it with vegetables and grill or bake for a delicious appetizer.
Savory Pancakes: Incorporate it into savory pancakes, along with scallions and other fillings.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Use it as a filling in wraps or sandwiches along with fresh vegetables and your choice of sauce for a tasty meal.
Remember that Shanghai bean curd can be quite salty, so you may want to adjust seasonings in your dishes accordingly. Enjoy experimenting!
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