Yuba (food)
Encyclopedia
Tofu skin also known as beancurd sheet, dried beancurd, paper, yuba or bean skin, is a Chinese
and Japanese food product made from soybean
s. During the boiling of soy milk
, in an open shallow pan, a film or skin composed primarily of a soy protein
–lipid
complex forms on the liquid surface. The films are collected and dried into yellowish sheets known as tofu skin.
.
Because of its slightly rubbery texture, tofu skin is also manufactured in bunched, folded and wrapped forms that are used as meat substitutes in vegetarian cuisine. Tofu skins can be wrapped and then folded against itself to make doù baō . These are often fried to give it a firmer skin before being cooked further.
.
and osteoporosis
.
Chinese cuisine
Chinese cuisine is any of several styles originating in the regions of China, some of which have become highly popular in other parts of the world – from Asia to the Americas, Australia, Western Europe and Southern Africa...
and Japanese food product made from soybean
Soybean
The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean which has numerous uses...
s. During the boiling of soy milk
Soy milk
Soy milk and sometimes referred to as soy drink/beverage is a beverage made from soybeans. A stable emulsion of oil, water, and protein, it is produced by soaking dry soybeans and grinding them with water...
, in an open shallow pan, a film or skin composed primarily of a soy protein
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
–lipid
Lipid
Lipids constitute a broad group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins , monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, phospholipids, and others...
complex forms on the liquid surface. The films are collected and dried into yellowish sheets known as tofu skin.
Preparation
Tofu skin may be purchased in fresh or dried form. In the latter case, the tofu skin is rehydrated in water before use. It is often used to wrap dim sumDim sum
Dim sum refers to a style of Chinese food prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates...
.
Because of its slightly rubbery texture, tofu skin is also manufactured in bunched, folded and wrapped forms that are used as meat substitutes in vegetarian cuisine. Tofu skins can be wrapped and then folded against itself to make doù baō . These are often fried to give it a firmer skin before being cooked further.
Forms
Fu zhu stick
Tofu skin may also be bunched into sticks called dried beancurd stick . By bunching fresh tofu skins or rehydrated beancurd skins, then tying it tightly in cloth and stewing it, the bunched tofu skin will retain its tied shape. This bunched tofu skin is then called tofu chicken . In Thai cooking it is referred to as fawng dtâo-hûu .Meat substitute
By layering and bunching the sheets in a certain manner, an imitation of chicken breast with the skin on can be created. The effect is completed by frying the "skin" side of the tofu chicken until it is crispy. If stuffed with vegetables, it becomes tofu duck.Log
Other methods include rolling the tofu skin tightly on a chopstick and steaming the tofu skin to form a log. When the log is sliced, each slice will be circular in form with a square hole in the center, which looks like old Chinese coinsChinese coins
Chinese coins were produced continuously for around 2,500 years by casting in moulds, rather than being struck with dies as with most western coins.-Pre-Imperial :The earliest coinage of China was described by Sima Qian, the great historian of c...
.
Benefits
Bean curd, or tofu as it is popularly known, is rich in proteins, unsaturated fats, calcium and iron. Its intake can reduce menopausal symptoms, risk of coronary heart diseaseCoronary heart disease
Coronary artery disease is the end result of the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the walls of the coronary arteries that supply the myocardium with oxygen and nutrients. It is sometimes also called coronary heart disease...
and osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density is reduced, bone microarchitecture is deteriorating, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered...
.
See also
- Clotted creamClotted creamClotted cream is a thick cream made by indirectly heating full-cream cow's milk using steam or a water bath and then leaving it in shallow pans to cool slowly. During this time, the cream content rises to the surface and forms 'clots' or 'clouts'...
, made from the clumps of cream attached to the protein-lipid matrix floating atop heated dairy milkMilkMilk is a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for young mammals before they are able to digest other types of food. Early-lactation milk contains colostrum, which carries the mother's antibodies to the baby and can reduce the risk of many...
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