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Dou Dou (豆豆)

Crispy Umami Tofu Crumble — 香酥豆腐素肉碎

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 3 × 350g Extra-firm tofu 老豆腐 pat dry before use
  • 3 tsp Soy sauce 生抽
  • 2½ tbsp Dark soy sauce 老抽 colour & depth
  • 2 tbsp Chili oil 辣椒油 smoky, adjust to taste
  • 4 tsp Umami powder 提鲜粉 homemade blend
Umami Powder
  • ¼ cup Salt 鹽
  • 2 tbsp Onion powder 洋蔥粉
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder 蒜粉
  • 1 tbsp Gochugaru 韓國辣椒粉 Korean chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp Peppercorn mix 胡椒粒 whole mixed
  • 2 tsp White pepper powder 白胡椒粉
  • 20g Dried shiitake mushrooms 乾香菇 umami bombs
  • 3g Kombu 昆布 king of seaweed

Method
 

  1. Pat the extra-firm tofu dry with paper towels. Seek out low-moisture pressed tofu for the crispiest result; regular firm tofu works but needs a longer bake.
  2. Add all umami powder ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend on high until a fine powder forms. Store leftover powder in an airtight jar.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment. Crumble the tofu into a large bowl, then add 4 tsp umami powder, soy sauce, dark soy sauce and chili oil. Mix well.
  4. Spread the seasoned tofu onto the tray in a single even layer and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and crisp.
  5. Separate any clumps with a spatula while warm, let cool completely, then store in a container for up to a week. Use in tacos, noodle bowls, soups, lettuce cups or mapo tofu.

Notes

The umami powder makes plenty extra — store it in an airtight jar and reuse in stir-fries, marinades, and on roasted vegetables.