Dish of Pressed Tofu Sticks
(click to enlarge)

Pressed Tofu Sticks


China   -   Dou Gan
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  
***
hrs
Yes		 A simple, but flavorful, appetizer that can be made well ahead of need. These sticks can be served plain or with Chinese style mustard for dipping.

13
-----
3
1/2
3/4
1/2
1
1/2
1
-----
a/r
oz
---
T
c
c
c

in
in
---

Pressed Tofu (1)  
-- Flavorings
Sugar
Soy Sauce, dark
Water
Rice Wine (2)
Star Anise
Ginger, sliced
Cinnamon
----------------
Water, Boiling
Make   -   (2-1/2 hrs, 10 min work)
  1. Cut Pressed Tofu into sticks roughly 0.6 x 0.7 inch sticks, or as desired.
  2. In a sauté pan with enough room to tumble the sticks around, place all the Flavorings items. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and load in the Tofu Sticks.
  3. As the liquid comes back to a simmer, start turning the Tofu Sticks every so often to make sure they color evenly. Continue to simmer for 1-1/2 hours, turning now and then, and adding boiling water if needed. Take off the heat and allow to sit, continuing to turn them, for another half hour.
  4. If I don't need them right away, I seal the sticks in a plastic bag with the flavoring liquid and refrigerate, turning the bag now and then. They will keep for several days.
  5. Tofu Sticks may be served either cold (most common) or warm.
NOTES:

  1. Pressed Tofu

      [Stew Bean Curd, Dou Gan]   These stiff blocks can be found on the lightly refrigerated shelves of markets serving a Chinese community. I use a lighter colored non-baked version for this recipe. The standard size for these blocks is 2.6 x 2.3 x 0.7 inches, 4 to a package, weighing 6.7 ounces, but other sizes are available. For details see our Tofu page.

  2. Rice Wine:

      Use a good, drinkable Chinese rice wine, not that horrid salted "cooking" version. If you don't have this, use a Dry Sherry. Sake is made from rice but is not considered a good substitute. For details see our Chinese Rice Wine page.
  3. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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