Stir-Fried Tofu Skin with Chili Peppers

Chinese Stir-Fried Tofu Skin with Chili Peppers 

Introduction

Stir-Fried Tofu Skin with Chili Peppers is a classic and flavorful Chinese homestyle dish that combines the chewy texture of tofu skin (doufu pi, ) with the vibrant heat of chili peppers.
This dish is especially popular in Northern and Sichuan-style home cooking for its bold aroma, spicy kick, and high-protein nutrition. It’s quick to prepare, visually appealing, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.

Tofu skin, also known as bean curd sheets or yuba, is made from the thin layer that forms on the surface of heated soy milk. When stir-fried, it absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 200 g (7 oz) tofu skin (fresh or dried yuba)

• 2–3 fresh red or green chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 small piece of ginger, sliced

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color, optional)

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

• A handful of scallions (cut into 2-inch sections)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu Skin

1. If using dried tofu skin, soak it in warm water for 30–40 minutes until soft and pliable.

2. Rinse thoroughly to remove any bean smell, then drain well.

3. Cut the tofu skin into thin strips or bite-sized pieces about 1 cm wide.

4. If using fresh tofu skin, simply rinse and cut — no soaking needed.

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Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients

1. Wash the chili peppers and cut them diagonally into thin slices.

   • You can mix red and green chilies for both color and balanced heat.

2. Mince the garlic and slice the ginger thinly.

3. Cut the scallions into sections and set aside.

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Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add ginger slices and garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant (about 10–15 seconds).

3. Be careful not to burn the garlic — it should be golden and aromatic.

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Step 4: Add the Chili Peppers

1. Add the chili peppers to the wok.

2. Stir-fry for about 30–40 seconds until the chilies release their aroma.

3. The dish should already start smelling deliciously spicy!

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Step 5: Add the Tofu Skin

1. Add the tofu skin strips into the wok and stir quickly to mix with the chilies.

2. Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and a small pinch of salt.

3. Continue stir-frying for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the tofu skin evenly absorbs the seasonings.

4. Add a splash of water (1–2 tablespoons) if it looks too dry — tofu skin will soak up liquid fast.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. When the tofu skin turns golden and slightly crisp on the edges, drizzle with a little sesame oil for aroma.

2. Add the scallion sections, give a quick stir, and remove from heat.

3. Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

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Tips

• Spice Control: For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before slicing.

• Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of fermented black beans  or a small amount of chili bean paste  for a Sichuan-style twist.

• Texture Variation: You can mix tofu skin with bean sprouts or celery strips for more texture and freshness.