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Malaysia · Food

Yong Tau Foo

45 min
270 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Yong Tau Foo🇲🇾Foodi-elaine · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

4 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Yong Tau Foo. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stuffed vegetable39 recipes from 13 countriesSee all 4 matches

A beloved Hakka-Malaysian dish featuring tofu stuffed with a savory fish paste filling. It is then pan-seared and served with a spicy dipping sauce.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Yong Tau Foo from another cuisine is Dubu-jorim (South Korea): the two share 62% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Cut 400g of firm tofu into 2-inch triangles or squares.

  • 2

    Use a small knife to carefully scoop out a portion of the center of each tofu piece to create a small pocket.

  • 3

    In a bowl, season 200g of fish paste with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and 1 tsp sesame oil.

  • 4

    Generously stuff each tofu pocket with the fish paste mixture using a small spoon.

  • 5

    Heat 200ml of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.

  • 6

    Place the stuffed tofu pieces in the hot oil, fish-side down first, and sear for 3 minutes until golden brown.

  • 7

    Flip and sear the other sides for another 2 minutes until the tofu is firm and the fish paste is fully cooked through.

  • 8

    Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with a mixture of soy sauce and chili for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yong Tau Foo?

Yong Tau Foo is a Hakka Chinese dish popular in Malaysia consisting of tofu, vegetables, or mushrooms stuffed with a seasoned surimi fish paste. It is typically served in a clear broth or with a sweet and spicy sauce as a meal or snack.

What type of tofu is best?

Use firm or extra-firm tofu, as silken tofu will break apart during the stuffing and searing process.

Can I use other fillings?

Yes, you can mix minced pork with the fish paste for a richer flavor, but pure fish paste is the most traditional approach.

Is frying the only way to cook it?

In this recipe, yes: the stuffed tofu is pan-seared in vegetable oil until golden brown and the fish paste is fully cooked through.

Why does my fish paste fall out?

Ensure you pat the tofu dry with a towel before stuffing to help the fish paste adhere better to the interior surface.

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