Stinky tofu is a popular Asian treat with a strong smell and mild flavor. It is made by soaking tofu in a brine of rotten shrimp and vegetables, and is typically fried or boiled and served with chili sauce. While its scent can be off-putting, the food is popular and can be treated with different herbs and spices. However, its production methods make it potentially harmful if not prepared properly, and should only be purchased from a reputable source.
As the name suggests, stinky tofu is a type of tofu with a strong smell. Bean curd is prepared in a number of ways, depending on which Asian region it is being prepared in. Food is considered a popular treat in China, Indonesia and Taiwan. In Mandarin, the dish is known as chou doufu.
Rotting garbage is the typical description ascribed to the smell of stinky tofu, although people have been known to come up with other colorful descriptions for the unpleasant odor. The food was once considered a staple for Asian soldiers. The flavor of tofu is typically much milder than its scent.
A popular way of making stinky tofu is to soak the tofu in a brine of rotten shrimp and vegetables, providing its signature scent. This starter bacteria, however, can also be made from fermented milk, various meats, and Chinese herbs. The fermented tofu is then usually fried or boiled and served with chili sauce.
Street vendors in Asia, such as those who run roadside stands, often sell stinky tofu. While its scent can be very off-putting, the flavor of the food is popular. Besides being fried and boiled, tofu can also be steamed or stewed. Like other types of tofu, it can also be eaten cold and plain if desired.
Stinky tofu is traditionally soaked in brine for a number of days. The process can take several months, depending on the desired recipe and flavor. To speed up the process, however, most street vendors only soak the tofu for one day. Depending on the treatment and cooking methods used to prepare it, tofu can come in a wide range of colors, from black to golden.
Stinky tofu’s production methods make it potentially harmful if not prepared properly. You can acquire food poisoning from improperly handled fermented tofu. Bean curds should only be purchased from a reputable source. One reason food is a popular street item, however, is that preparing it at home is considered an unwanted activity, due to the impact of smell indoors.
Cooked stinky tofu typically comes with many other flavors. Like typical tofu, it can be treated with many different herbs and spices, such as garlic or soy sauce. It’s also typically served alongside, or as a side dish, many other typical Asian dishes, such as Sichuan mala soup, fish balls, or Congree rice soup. When eaten alone, sweet sauce or other side dishes may also be served with the tofu.
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