Tuesday 24 April 2012

making tofu at the hutong


Yesterday I learnt how to make tofu!

my first tofu


I'd been eying off the tofu classes at The Hutong for a while, and finally I and housemate V got a chance to get down there!

The entire process took about two and a half hours, start to finish, though in a non-classroom situation I suspect I could do it in significantly less time. I learnt a lot of interesting stuff about timing, too, in terms of making silken or firm tofu. I also learnt about okara, which is a by-product of making soy milk, and can be added to vegan baking and vegan burger patties. I'm looking for ways to use it that don't involve an oven, and if anyone has any experience using it I'd love to hear.

soy beans rinsed and waiting

It was a really interesting experience, and although buying tofu remains cheaper and more convenient (at least for me here in Beijing), I'm looking forward to making my own tofu on occasion when I get back to Australia, and have access to a full kitchen.

I'm also looking forward to more classes at The Hutong. I've got a bao class next week, and I've got my eye on the hand pulled noodles class. Because hand pulled noodles!

5 comments:

Johanna GGG said...

I am quite fascinated by making tofu at home - still need to get myself organised but hope to one day - did it with a friend years ago and found that the whey was really good for washing hair but can't remember what we did with the okara - do you have the book of tofu - that might have some recipes in it (and you could cook a burger on a wok couldn't you!)

steph said...

It was really interesting, and now that I've eaten the tofu I'm definitely going to do it again - it was so lovely and fresh, had a great flavour!

I can cook a burger on a wok! But I also have a small fry pan with me, so I plan to give it a go.

Don't have any books with me in China, alas, I'm just looking everything up online!

Johanna GGG said...

I had a search as I am interested in okara - did you see this website http://okaraproject.blogspot.com.au/2010/01/miso-okara-soup.html - sounds like it might have some good recipes

steph said...

Nooo I didn't see this one! Oh, I'm excited!

rika@vm said...

Impressive!