Huizhou Hairy Tofu

Huizhou Hairy Tofu

　　Hairy tofu is a renowned vegetarian dish from Anhui that has gained fame both domestically and internationally. Commonly referred to as Huizhou Hairy Tofu, it is made primarily from hairy tofu (covered with about an inch of white fuzz), a specialty of regions in Huizhou such as She County, Tunxi, and Xiuning (now under Huangshan City). The tofu is pan-fried and then simmered with ingredients like scallions, ginger, sugar, salt, meat broth, and soy sauce. It is typically served with chili sauce, offering a fresh, mellow, and refreshing taste with an enticing aroma. It also stimulates the appetite, making it a distinctive dish of the Huizhou region. "Hairy tofu" is a traditional famous dish in the Huangshan area. It is made by using artificial fermentation methods, which allow a layer of white fuzz to grow on the surface of the tofu. Because fermentation transforms the plant proteins in the tofu into various amino acids, the cooked dish boasts a uniquely delicious flavor.

　　Ingredients

　　　　10 pieces of hairy tofu (about 500g), 5g minced scallion, 5g minced ginger, 25g soy sauce, 2g salt, 5g sugar, 0.5g MSG, 100g meat broth, 100g rapeseed oil

　　Method

　　　　Cut each piece of hairy tofu into three smaller pieces. Place the pan over high heat, add the rapeseed oil, and heat until 70% hot. Pan-fry the tofu until golden brown on both sides. When the surface becomes wrinkled, add minced scallion, minced ginger, MSG, sugar, salt, meat broth, and soy sauce. Simmer and stir-fry for two minutes, flip several times, then remove from the pan and serve.

　　Cooking Tips

　　　　This dish features a golden-yellow exterior with tiger-skin-like streaks, a rich fragrance, and a uniquely savory taste. Avoid over-frying during cooking to prevent burning, which can affect the color and taste of the dish.

　　Historical Story

　　　　Regarding the origin of hairy tofu, there is a legend that says: Once, when Zhu Yuanzhang suffered a defeat in Huizhou, he fled to the Xiuning area. Starving, he ordered his attendants to find food. One attendant searched a haystack and discovered several pieces of tofu hidden by fleeing civilians. The tofu had fermented and grown fur but, with no other food available, the attendant roasted it over charcoal and gave it to Zhu Yuanzhang to eat. Unexpectedly, the tofu tasted incredibly delicious, and Zhu was very pleased. After turning defeat into victory, he ordered the army chefs to prepare hairy tofu to reward his troops. Thus, hairy tofu became a tradition in Huizhou.

　　Tips

　　　　When traveling in Huizhou, you can find Huizhou hairy tofu at many scenic spots, such as along Tunxi Old Street. As a popular snack, it is very easy to purchase. If you wish to cook it yourself, you can easily find it at local markets. So, those who love or want to try hairy tofu don’t need to worry about not being able to find it.