This is a very simple and yet fulfilling Asian inspired dish using air fried bean curd sheet, a great alternative for substituting meat.
– Where can you find bean curd sheet?
Since we moved, every time I go visit my mom I have to stop by an Asian grocery store and stock up with lots of fresh vegetables, refrigerated and frozen food. It is true that we have Asian market in the area, but I always feel that it is not as abundant and fresh as in the areas where are more populated by Asians, supply and demand…
One of my favorite item is the fresh bean curd sheet, which is found in the refrigerator section…I discovered that it can perish fast and a great way to preserve is by using the air fryer. Once the bean curd sheets are “baked” in the air fryer and the moist removed it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for much longer time.
The bean curd sheet is so Asian, what I mean without any discrimination is that you need to acquire the taste for it…and I was so surprised that my husband really enjoys it…the texture is very different from the regular tofu, and I am not talking about soft, regular or firm…the bean curd sheet is somehow stretchy, slightly chewy and can absorb a lot of flavor.
I hope you get a chance to try it…you will find it very different and interesting.
– Let’s start cooking…
Ingredients:
1 package fresh bean curd sheet
1 inch fresh ginger cut into thin strips
2 cups water
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Pat dry the bean curd sheet and cut into 1 inch wide. Randomly separate the layers and place in the 325-350F preheated air fryer for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the bean curd sheets are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket every so often to prevent the sheets from sticking together.
Once the bean curd sheets are ready, remove from the air fryer and set aside. Place all the other ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to boil then add the air fried bean curd sheet. Bring to boil and turn the heat to simmer.
As the air fried bean curd sheets absorb the sauce it will shrink. Simmer for about 15 minutes, if needed add more water, salt and pepper.
Remove from the heat.
At this point, it can be served as it is or added to any stir-fry vegetable.
– More recipes with soybean curd?
Yes, if you enjoy this simple and easy vegetarian item, you might want to take a look at Tofu Fa recipe which is a dessert made with soft bean curd.
Did you know that bean curd sheet is a film form from boiling soy milk? The film is similar to the film formed when boiling milk. The soy milk film is then accumulated and dried acquiring a yellowish color, unlike the soy milk. Bean curd sheet is also called bean curd skin or tofu skin.
Hey Juliana, you’re back to blogging- yay! I thought you had stopped! I know you were frustrated at having to deal with the technical aspects of blogging. I was too, until I got a technical person to help me. Regarding your recipe, is bean curd sheet similar to tofu? I have an air dryer, maybe I could try this very interesting recipe!
Hi Fran,
Yes, I have been back and taking it easy…this bean curd sheet is from soybean, but totally different in terms of texture and look from tofu. Often in Asian cuisine if used as meat/poultry substitute due to its “chewy” texture. I hope you get a chance to try…
Good to hear from you…have a wonderful week!
was never a big fan of bean curd, but if any one offered me this I would eat it as it looks so appetizing
I have not had fresh bean curd skins, I would be interested in trying this. I think that I need to get an air fryer.
This looks wonderful Juliana I love vegetables always!!
We miss the fresh bean curd skins too. Air frying them is a great idea. Have you ever purchased the dried bean curd at the market? This is okay but fresh is way better indeed. Hope you are having a fabulous week.
Yes, I had bought the dry version, it comes in sort of “sticks”…and yes, fresh is much better…
Wishing you a lovely weekend Juliana!
Another reason to get an air fryer! One of these days I’ll get one. 🙂 Anyway, terrific idea — thanks.