This Steamed Tofu with Dried Scallops is another easy and delicious Chinese Style Steamed Tofu Recipe. The sauce has the natural umami sweetness from dried scallops and pairs very well with tofu. Do try it!
WHAT IS DRIED SCALLOPS?
Dried scallops are made by drying fresh scallops. In Chinese, they are known as “干贝” (Gan Bei). They impart a highly fragrant and naturally sweet umami flavor to dishes. They come in various sizes. When preparing stir-fries, the small-sized dried scallops are typically used. For making Chinese New Year dishes, larger-sized dried scallops are preferred, mainly for their visual presentation.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Only 10 MINUTES cooking time
- Very delicious and comforting, enjoy with a warm bowl of rice.
IIMPORTANT COOKING TIPS
Place the steamer rack above the water level
The water level should be below the steamer rack, so that when you steam the water does not splash into the dish
The water in the wok needs to be boiling before placing the tofu to steam
If the water is not boiled, it will affect the steam time
Fry the dried scallops until golden brown
When the dried scallops are fried till golden brown, it will be more fragrant
CUSTOMISE RECIPE TO YOUR TASTE
The ingredients and seasoning in this recipe is based on my preference. Feel free to customise the saltiness and sweetness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I DO NOT HAVE A STEAM BASKET?
If you don’t have a steam basket, you can use a normal steamer rack. There may be water condensation but it should not have much adverse effect on the dish
CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE DRIED SCALLOPS?
The dried scallops have a specific taste profile, so technically, no. But you can still substitute with other ingredients such as dried shrimp or shallots. Please watch my other videos.
Other Chinese Style Steamed Tofu recipe:
Easy Chinese Style Steamed Tofu Recipe https://youtu.be/a_dtBREPL1o
Steamed Tofu with Minced Pork | 肉碎蒸豆腐 https://youtu.be/DJTCFdXlE1E
Easy Chinese Style Tofu with Mushrooms Recipe https://youtu.be/t3iEYYxGALo
CAN I MAKE IT SPICY?
Yes, absolutely! This is a basic recipe, you can add bird’s eye chilli (chili padi) or chilli oil.
Steamed Tofu with Dried Scallops, Steamed Tofu Chinese Style | 干贝蒸豆腐食谱
Ingredients
Ingredients 材料：
- 1 packet smooth tofu 1包滑豆腐
- 5-6 small (10 grams) dried scallops 5-6 个小干贝（10 克）
- 100ml water 1/2 bowl 100毫升水（1/2碗）
- 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce 1/2 汤匙 生抽
- 1/2 tablespoon abalone sauce 1/2 汤匙 鲍鱼酱
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine 1汤匙绍兴酒
- 1 teaspoons cornstarch 1茶匙玉米淀粉
- 2 cloves garlic cut into chunks 2 瓣大蒜
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) goji berry 1 汤匙（8 克）枸杞
- 2-3 tablespoon vegetable (neutral tasting) oil 2-3汤匙植物油
Garnish 装饰:
- spring onion 葱
Instructions
- Rinse dried scallops to wash it clean. Then soak in water for 15-20 minutes until it turns soft. Keep the water. We will use it later. Break it up into smaller pieces.Then just leave it on the sieve to dry
- Makes the sauce. Add the water from the soaked dried scallops into a mixing bowl. Add light soy sauce, abalone sauce, shaoxing wine and cornstarch. Mix until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Cut garlic into chunks and set aside.
- Prepare the wok for steaming. Place water and steamer rack onto the wok. Make sure the water level is below the steamer rack. Bring water to a boil.
- Open the packet of smooth tofu. Remove any excess water. Place the tofu onto a plate that is suitable for steaming. Wash goji berries and place on top of the tofu.
- When the water is boiling, place the tofu on the steamer rack. Steam on high heat for 5-6 minutes
- While the tofu is steaming, let’s prepare the dried scallop sauce. When the pan is hot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add the dried scallop and garlic. Fry on low heat until the dried scallops turn golden brown. Stir the prepared sauce and add into the pan. Cook until the sauce thickens. Then set aside.
- When the tofu is ready, pour the sauce on top. Garnish with some spring onions. Serve with warm bowl of rice