Dou Dou (豆豆)
Braised bean curd sheets in a savoury soy glaze — a classic Chinese vegetarian dish that’s simple, comforting, and full of umami. Ready in 20 minutes. 素燒豆包，经典中式素食，咸香酱汁，简单美味，20分钟上桌。
📹 Watch the Recipe
Recipe by @puweichef888
🥘 Why This Recipe Works
Bean curd sheets (豆包 / dòu bāo) are a beloved ingredient in Chinese Buddhist vegetarian cooking. Made from the skin that forms on top of simmering soy milk, they’re folded into layered sheets that soak up sauces beautifully while maintaining a satisfying, meaty bite.
This braising method transforms them into a savoury, protein-rich dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. It’s a staple in temple kitchens — proof that Chinese vegetarian food is anything but boring.
This version: 6 ingredients, one pan, 20 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients
| Dried bean curd sheets (豆包) | 200g (4-5 sheets) | Soaked if dried; Asian grocers |
| Light soy sauce (生抽) | 2 tbsp | shēng chōu |
| Dark soy sauce (老抽) | 1 tbsp | lǎo chōu, for colour |
| Sugar (糖) | 1 tbsp | Rock or brown sugar |
| Ginger, sliced (姜) | 3 slices | Fresh |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | For pan-frying |
| Vegetable broth (素高汤) | 1 cup | Or water + mushroom powder |
| Optional: Sesame oil (麻油) | 1 tsp | To finish |
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep
- If dried: soak in warm water 10 min until pliable. Drain, gently squeeze
- Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 5cm squares)
Step 2: Pan-Fry
- Heat oil over medium-high. Add bean curd pieces in single layer
- Fry 2-3 min per side until golden and crispy at edges. Set aside
Step 3: Braise
- Fry ginger 30 sec. Add broth, soy sauces, sugar. Bring to simmer
- Return bean curd. Simmer 8-10 min, flipping occasionally, until sauce is glossy
Step 4: Serve
- Drizzle sesame oil. Garnish with scallions. Serve over rice
💡 Tips
| Too thick? | Press out more water after soaking |
| More depth? | Add 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce (mushroom-based) |
| Can’t find bean curd sheets? | Sub firm tofu, sliced — different texture, still good |
| Sauce too salty? | Splash more water and a pinch more sugar |
📊 Nutrition
Per serving (serves 2 as main)
~210 cal · Protein: 14g · Carbs: 12g · Fat: 13g · Fiber: 2g
🌱 Why This Dish
Bean curd sheets (豆包 / dòu bāo) are a cornerstone of Chinese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (斋菜 / zhāi cài). This dish is especially popular during the seventh lunar month (Ghost Festival), when many Chinese families observe vegetarian days to honour ancestors.