HEARTY & HEALTHY
What Is Bean Curd Skin and How Do You Cook It
When it comes to soy-based proteins, tofu is often praised for its health benefits. But for those looking for a change from tofu’s usual texture, bean curd skin is a delicate and versatile option.
Also called fuchuk or yuba, this protein-rich ingredient opens up a world of culinary opportunities, making it a great choice even for those who might not typically enjoy tofu.
Bean Curd Skin Origins and Variety
Contrary to popular belief, Bean Curd skin isn’t a literal peel but rather a unique byproduct of soy milk. In China, there are two primary types of Bean Curd skin: Bean Curd sheets (Qianzhang or Baiye) and yuba (Youpi, Fuzhu).
The latter is a thin film that forms during the heating of soy milk, resulting in a diverse range of textures and shapes, from sheets to strands to cheese-like globs.
The rich history of Bean Curd skin traces back to imperial China, where it gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty.
Used to mimic meat for vegetarian Buddhists, bean curd skin accompanied the spread of Buddhism across Asia, becoming a key component of Japanese Buddhist cuisine.
Over the centuries, creative culinary minds have shaped bean curd skin into various forms, including fresh sheets, fried rolls, large sheets, tofu sticks, and the esteemed kumiage yuba.
How to Make Bean Curd Skin
Making Bean Curd skin at home is an option for adventurous cooks, but patience is key.
The process involves soaking soybeans until soft, blending them into a milk-like liquid, heating the mixture until a thin film forms, and then carefully dehydrating it. The resulting dried yuba can be stored for up to a month, providing a convenient pantry staple.
For those looking for a faster option, delicious, ready-made bean curd skin or fuchuk products, such as Everbest fresh soy sticks, are readily available in supermarkets, making them convenient for cooking needs.
How Do You Cook It?
Below is a simple recipe for cooking bean curd skin:
Stir-Fried Bean Curd Skin with Vegetables
Ingredients
- Bean Curd Skin Sheets
- Vegetables of your choice (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms)
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Bean Curd Skin - Everbest Fresh Soy Stick eliminates the need for pre-soaking, it is ready to cook in frozen.
- Cut Vegetables - Cut your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This can include bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you like.
- Stir-Fry - Heat a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables - Add the prepared vegetables to the wok. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Bean Curd Skin - Tear or cut the soaked and dried bean curd skin into smaller pieces and add them to the vegetables.
- Seasoning - Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, ensuring the bean curd skin absorbs the flavors.
- Serve - Once the bean curd skin and vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove from the heat and serve the stir-fry hot, either on its own or with rice or noodles.
Fresh vs. Dried
Bean Curd skin’s versatility extends to its availability in both fresh and dried forms. Undried yuba offers a silky texture and can be used directly without rehydration.
On the other hand, dried yuba sheets or sticks require soaking before use. These variations open the door to a variety of cooking techniques, from frying undried yuba for a crispy snack to rehydrating dried sheets for use in intricate dishes like spring rolls.
Where to find Bean Curd Skin
Finding Bean Curd skin and other fuchuk products for your culinary experiments is a breeze in Malaysia. Just bear in mind that they may go by various names, such as bean curd sheets, Tofu Skin, yuba, soybean skin, fuchuk, or tofu sticks. While fresh yuba is preferable for its taste and ease of use, dried varieties have the advantage of convenient storage in a cool, dry place.
Even if a product appears vegetarian, it might contain allergens like milk, eggs, or traces of shellfish. Check allergen warnings to ensure the absence of these components, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
In a Nutshell
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the art of cooking with bean curd skin opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
From the practicality of undried yuba to the complicated preparation of rehydrated sheets, the cooking journey with bean curd skin always offers delightful textures, flavors, and a wealth of nutritional benefits.
So, as you explore cooking with bean curd skin, enjoy the range of culinary possibilities it brings to your table.