Dried Bean Curd is also known as tofu skin, yuba, tofu threads or soybean skin. Like tofu, it has a neutral taste that absorbs the flavor of the ingredients you add to it. Here, I’m sharing how to cook dried bean curd in a flavorful coconut curry sauce.

It still amazes me how versatile Soybeans are. We get tofu, soy sauce, miso, tempeh, natto, soy milk etc. from these little green beans. On top of that, they are rich in nutrients and make it a lot easier for vegetarians to get enough protein on a daily basis.

Dried bean sticks, however, are still uncommon among non-Asian chefs. I mean, when I first purchased bean curd, I was quite intimidated by its unfamiliar appearance and the lack of English on the packaging.

But after a bit of research and cooking it myself, I can confidently say that bean curd sticks should be a pantry staple. It’s so easy to prepare, the texture is amazing, and you can flavor it in a lot of different ways.

Dried Bean Curd Vs Tofu

Tofu skin/bean curd is really soybean milk skin. It is made by skimming away the sheet that forms on the surface of heated soy milk. This is then dried into sheets or rolled up into bundles/ sticks.

Bean curd sticks are very popular in Chinese cuisine, especially in the vegetarian diet. Meat eaters also enjoy the mix of tenderness and chewiness of the product. It is traditionally cooked with red meats like lamb and beef while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Tofu on the other hand is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into a block. Tofu can be pressed into different levels of firmness to achieve different textures. These rubbery yet tender blocks of tofu are normally grilled, fried, sauteed or cooked into soups/stews.

Health Benefits of Bean Curd

Soybean products are rich in high-quality protein making them perfect ‘meat’ alternatives.

Soy consumption can not only prevent osteoporosis, breast cancer, colon cancer, coronary heart disease, gastrointestinal tumors, arteriosclerosis, and other diseases. They also have skin-nourishing and anti-aging effects.

Ingredients you will need:

Dried Bean Curd sticks– You can buy these at your local supermarket in the Asian section.

Onion, garlic, scallion/spring onion– I used generous amounts of these aromatics. They enhance the flavor of the overall dish and is essential in Asian cooking.

Red bell pepper– Adds a wonderful contrast of colour and slight sweetness to the recipe.

Coconut milk– This is necessary for the formation of a creamy sauce. Fresh coconut milk is best but you can use canned coconut milk instead.

Coconut oil– Cold pressed coconut oil will give you a strong coconut flavor, but you can use a more neutral tasting oil.

Dried Parsley– which adds a slightly bitter and herby note.

Scotch bonnet pepper– This pepper is commonly used in Jamaican cooking; it is extremely spicy, but the flavor is unmatched. You can substitute with peppers of your choice.

Salt to taste

How to Cook Dried Bean Curd Sticks (Tofu Skin Curry)

Okay, this might sound intimidating, but you have to Soak bean curd sticks in water overnight or for at least eight hours before you want to cook them.

Why? Because it makes them easier to slice and gives us the chance to season and marinate the sticks the day before we cook them.

After all the soaking and marinating, you’re going to heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat.

Add the bean curd and seasoning mixture, leaving it unstirred for five minutes. Stir and leave unstirred for another five minutes.

Pour the coconut milk over the bean curds, cover with a lid, and allow this to simmer over medium heat.

Stir in red bell peppers, parsley and allow this to simmer over low heat.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

You can add veggies like broccoli, carrots, green peas to increase nutritive value.

To form an even thicker and creamier sauce, you can stir in some butter beans, broad beans, or cannellini beans.

If you don’t like the flavor of coconuts, you could substitute coconut milk with cashew milk and coconut oil for a neutral tasting oil.

How to Store Curried Bean Curd Sticks

Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days, the flavor gets better the longer it sits.

You can also season the tofu skins and keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days for a quick weeknight dinner.

Where Can I buy Dried Bean Curd Sticks

You can purchase bean curd at Asian food stores, in the Asian section at most local supermarkets or online.

MORE SOY BEAN/TOFU RECIPES

• Tasty BBQ Tofu Sandwich
• Tofu In Coconut Milk
• Tofu Katsu Recipe (Air Fryer + Vegan)
• Mango Pineapple Baked Tofu
• Sweet And Sour Tofu With Pineapple

If you try this recipe, rate it and let me know how you like it in the comments below