Pi Dan Dou Fu
Century Egg with Tofu
A refreshing and elegant no-cook appetizer featuring cool silken tofu topped with the unique flavor of century eggs, a savory soy-sesame dressing, and fresh herbs. This dish is incredibly simple to prepare and showcases contrasting textures and flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 300-350g) Silken tofu(Ensure it's fresh and chilled for the best texture and temperature. Drain any excess liquid.)
- 2 Century eggs (Pidan)(Also known as preserved eggs. Look for them in Asian grocery stores. They have a distinct gelatinous dark brown exterior and a creamy, dark grey to black interior with a strong, pungent aroma. Peel carefully.)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce(Use a good quality light soy sauce for optimal flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil(Toasted sesame oil provides a richer, nuttier flavor than regular sesame oil.)
- 2 Scallions (green onions)(Trim the roots and thinly slice the white and green parts. Reserve some green tops for garnish.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(Finely chopped leaves and tender stems. Wash and dry thoroughly.)
- 1 tbsp Dried shrimp(Optional. Rinse briefly and pat dry. Can be omitted if preferred.)
- 1/2 tsp Sugar(Optional, to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.)
- 1 tsp White vinegar(Optional, adds a subtle tang to the dressing.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tofu: Carefully remove the silken tofu from its packaging. Gently drain any excess water. Using a sharp knife, slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2 cm thick. Arrange these slices neatly on a serving plate, creating a base for the toppings. Aim for an even layer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Prepare the century eggs: Peel the century eggs. The shell should come off easily. Rinse them gently under cool water to remove any residue. Dice the peeled century eggs into small cubes, roughly the same size as the tofu pieces. Scatter the diced century egg evenly over the arranged tofu.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, optional sugar, and optional white vinegar until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Assemble and garnish: Finely chop the scallions and cilantro. If using dried shrimp, ensure they are rinsed and patted dry. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the tofu and century egg. Sprinkle the chopped scallions, cilantro, and optional dried shrimp over the top. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 3 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best texture, use chilled silken tofu straight from the refrigerator. The contrast between the cool tofu and the room-temperature century egg is delightful.
- ✓Century eggs can have a strong aroma; if this is your first time trying them, start with one egg or ensure they are fresh for a milder flavor.
- ✓The dressing can be adjusted to your preference. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
- ✓Ensure all garnishes are finely chopped for even distribution and a pleasant mouthfeel.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and nutty flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing for a spicy version.
- Top with crispy fried shallots or garlic chips for added crunch.
- For a heartier dish, consider adding shredded cooked chicken or pork floss.