tofu skin-yuba
BySara Food

Tofu Skin: What Is It And How Do You Use It? + Recipe

Tofu skin, also known as bean curd skin or yuba, is a versatile and nutritious food that has been a staple in Asian cuisines for centuries.

This plant-based protein powerhouse is not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable, making it a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike.

Let’s explore the world of tofu skin and discover why it’s worth adding to your culinary repertoire.

What Is Tofu Skin (or Bean Curd)?

Bean curd is another name for tofu, a product made from ground and pressed soybeans.

It’s extremely popular in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

When soy milk, a product of soybeans, is heated, a layer forms on the top. This layer, known as tofu skin or bean curd skin, is a key ingredient in many recipes.

It often results in a thin, crunchy layer, a delightful addition to many dishes, and a great way to reduce waste.

Tofu or bean curd skin is a popular element of the vegan and plant-based diet as it’s packed full of protein and works as a delicious meal replacement.

It can be incorporated into dishes such as curries, stews, rice bowls, and noodle dishes, making it a versatile and nutritious plant-based food.

Yuba: The Japanese Tofu Skin

Yuba is another term for tofu or bean curd skin.

It’s made by extracting the skin that forms when soy milk is cooked and the proteins and fats begin to rise to the top.

Yuba has a nutty taste and a chewy texture, but it’s also a great flavor absorbent, meaning it can take on almost any flavor you add to it.

Fresh yuba can be eaten raw, found in many Asian noodle dishes, and popular rice paper rolls.

It’s also a great way of adding protein to a carbohydrate-based dish.

Soybean Sheet: The Dried Tofu Skin

Soybean sheets or dried bean curd sheets are another form of tofu skin.

When yuba or bean curd skin is dried, it becomes crispy and can be sold in packages for home use.

Eating dried bean curd sheets is a great way of getting a quick source of protein into your diet.

They can be eaten on their own or added to various meals, making them great for camping or hiking trips.

Dried bean curd sheets can also be rehydrated and adapted with any flavoring you wish to add.

How To use Tofu Skin?

Here’s a practical guide on how to use this protein-rich food in your cooking.

1-Fresh Tofu Skin

Fresh tofu skin is soft and pliable, making it perfect for wrapping fillings.

Here are some ways to use fresh tofu skin:

  1. In Stir-Fries: Cut the tofu skin into strips and add it to your stir-fry. It will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and add a unique texture to your dish.
  2. As Wraps: Use the tofu skin as a wrap for fillings like vegetables, rice, or even meat. It’s a great alternative to traditional wraps and adds a unique flavor to your meal.
  3. In Soups: Add strips of tofu skin to your soups. It will absorb the broth and become wonderfully flavorful.

2-Dried Tofu Skin

Dried tofu skin is more firm and needs to be rehydrated before use.

Here’s how to use dried tofu skin:

  1. Rehydrate: Soak the dried tofu skin in warm water for about 15 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
  2. In Stews: Add the rehydrated tofu skin to your stews. It will absorb the flavors of the stew and add a delightful texture.
  3. As a Snack: After rehydrating, you can also fry the tofu skin in a little bit of oil until it becomes crispy. It makes for a delicious and protein-rich snack.

Yuba in Japanese Cuisine

Yuba is extremely popular in Japanese food due to their vegetarian diets and the need to maintain enough proteins.

They have been using soybeans to make tofu and yuba for nearly 2000 years.

Yuba comes in three forms in Japan – fresh, dried, and frozen.

Here’s how it’s used:

  1. In Sashimi: Fresh yuba is often eaten raw with a little bit of soy sauce and wasabi, similar to sashimi.
  2. In Soups and Hot Pots: Dried yuba is enjoyed as a crunchy element on top of soups and hot pots.
  3. In Stir-Fries: Fresh or rehydrated yuba can be added to stir-fries, where it will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

Bean Curd Skin Nutrition

So, how nutritious is bean curd skin?

It has around 170 calories per sheet, 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of protein.

This makes it a healthy and nutritious addition to meals, perfect for vegans focusing on maintaining a high protein intake with low carbohydrates.

Easy And Simple Tofu Skin Recipe:

Making tofu skin at home might seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of patience, you can create this nutritious and versatile ingredient right in your own kitchen.

Here’s a simple recipe for homemade tofu skin.

Easy And Simple Tofu Skin Recipe
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Easy And Simple Tofu Skin Recipe

Recipe by SaraCourse: Appetizer, Main CourseCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 
Calories

80

kcal

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make your own tofu skin at home. It’s a simple process that involves soaking and blending soybeans, cooking the resulting soy milk, and then carefully harvesting the delicate layers of tofu skin that form on the surface.
While it does require some patience, the result is well worth the effort.

Once you’ve made your tofu skin, you can use it in stir-fries, soups, wraps, and more. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal, providing a unique texture and the ability to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
Enjoy the process of making this traditional ingredient and the delicious dishes you can create with it.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of dried soybeans

  • 8 cups of water

Directions

  • Soak the Soybeans: Place the soybeans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  • Blend the Soybeans: Drain the soybeans and place them in a blender. Add 4 cups of water and blend until smooth.
  • Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a large pot. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is your soy milk.
  • Cook the Soy Milk: Bring the soy milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
  • Form the Tofu Skin: As the soy milk simmers, a thin layer will form on the surface. This is the tofu skin. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until it’s firm enough to handle.
  • Harvest the Tofu Skin: Using a pair of chopsticks or a skewer, carefully lift the edges of the tofu skin and peel it off the soy milk. Transfer it to a plate lined with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  • Repeat the Process: Continue cooking the soy milk, allowing a new layer of tofu skin to form each time. Harvest the tofu skin as it forms.
  • Store the Tofu Skin: Once all the tofu skin has been harvested, let it cool completely. You can then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

  • Enjoy your homemade tofu skin in your favorite dishes!

Key Takeaways

Tofu skin, whether you call it bean curd skin or yuba, is a versatile and nutritious food that deserves a place in your kitchen.

It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, from curries and stews to rice bowls and noodle dishes.

Whether you’re a vegan looking for a satisfying meal replacement or just someone who enjoys exploring different cuisines, tofu skin is a must-try.

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