Century Egg Tofu

Name: Century Egg Tofu
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 300 g silken tofu; 2 century eggs; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 scallions; 1 handful cilantro; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegetarian

Century Egg Tofu is a beloved cold plate in Chinese home cooking, celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. Traditionally enjoyed during family gatherings or as part of a larger meal, it highlights the ingenuity of transforming humble ingredients into a dish of profound character. This recipe captures the essence of home cooking, where every element is thoughtfully measured by hand, bringing a personal touch to the table.

The dish offers a silky texture from the tofu, perfectly contrasted by the rich, umami flavors of the century egg. A drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil adds depth, while fresh scallions and cilantro provide a burst of freshness. Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and aromatic notes, making it a quintessential comfort dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

300 gsilken tofu
2century eggs
2 tbspsoy sauce
1 tspsesame oil
2scallions
1 handfulcilantro
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Begin by preparing all the components for the dish. Carefully remove the silken tofu from its packaging and gently place it on a serving plate. Slice the tofu into 1 cm thick pieces, arranging them neatly on the plate. Peel the century eggs and cut them into quarters, placing them evenly over the tofu.
Next, prepare the aromatics. Finely chop the scallions and set them aside. Roughly chop a handful of cilantro, including the tender stems, and set aside separately. These will add freshness and a burst of flavor to the dish.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir well to create a smooth dressing. This mixture will provide a savory and nutty flavor that complements the rich taste of the century eggs.
Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil dressing evenly over the tofu and century eggs. Ensure that each piece of tofu and egg is lightly coated with the dressing to enhance their flavors.
Sprinkle the chopped scallions over the tofu and eggs, followed by the cilantro. The scallions will add a mild onion flavor, while the cilantro contributes a fresh, citrusy note.
Finally, taste the dish and add fine sea salt as needed. The salt should enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. Serve the Century Egg Tofu immediately, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to be enjoyed at its freshest.