🇨🇳 China · Food

Braised Tofu Skin (Lu Dou Pi)

30 min
A relaxed effort
🔥 350 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 2 servings
Just for you (or a date)

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Braised Tofu Skin (Lu Dou Pi)🇨🇳 CNFumikas Sagisavas · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

A popular, protein-rich vegetarian snack or side dish with a satisfying, meaty chewiness and deep aromatic spices.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Soak the dried tofu skin sheets in lukewarm water for 15 minutes until pliable.

  • 2

    Drain and cut the sheets into wide ribbons about 2 cm thick.

  • 3

    Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and sauté the garlic slices until fragrant.

  • 4

    Add the tofu ribbons, soy sauce, sugar, and star anise to the pan.

  • 5

    Pour in 200 ml of water, enough to barely cover the ribbons.

  • 6

    Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce to a thick glaze.

  • 7

    Drizzle with chili oil and toss gently to coat every ribbon evenly.

  • 8

    Serve garnished with fresh, chopped scallions for a bright contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tofu skin?+

Yes, if using fresh, skip the soaking step and go directly to slicing and braising.

What if it tastes too plain?+

Adjust the soy sauce or add a dash of dark soy sauce for a deeper color and saltier umami kick.

How do I store leftovers?+

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; they taste even better the next day.

Can I add vegetables?+

Absolutely, mushrooms or wood ear fungus work beautifully with the braising liquid.

Keep exploring