Crab Roe Tofu (Xie Dan Dou Fu — 蟹黄豆腐) is a sumptuous and elegant Chinese dish that combines silky tofu with the rich flavor of fresh crab roe. The creamy, golden crab roe sauce seeps into soft tofu, creating a luxurious texture and an intense umami taste. This dish is popular in Shanghai and Jiangsu cuisine and is often served at festive meals or banquets.
📝 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
300 g silken or soft tofu (cut into cubes)
2–3 tbsp fresh crab roe (or salted crab roe)2 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or rice wine)1 tsp light soy sauce
½ tsp sugar½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry for thickening)Aromatics & Garnish:
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp ginger (finely chopped)2 spring onions (chopped)
Optional: a few cilantro leaves🍳 How to Make Crab Roe Tofu
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Cut silken tofu into bite-sized cubes and gently rinse.
Pat dry to remove excess moisture.Blanch the tofu in lightly salted boiling water for 1–2 minutes to firm it slightly. Drain carefully.
Step 2: Cook the Crab Roe Sauce
Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat.
Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.Add the crab roe and stir gently to release its aroma and oils.
Stir in Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.Step 3: Combine with Tofu
Gently add tofu cubes to the crab roe sauce.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the tofu to coat evenly.Add cornstarch slurry gradually to thicken the sauce if desired.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer tofu to a serving plate.
Garnish with chopped spring onions and optional cilantro leaves.Serve immediately while warm.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed rice to soak up the luxurious crab roe sauce.
Pairs beautifully with lightly stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli.Ideal as a festive main course or an appetizer at banquets.
💡 Pro Tips
Use fresh crab roe for the best flavor and richness.
Handle tofu gently to prevent breaking the cubes.Adjust salt carefully — crab roe is naturally salty.
Cornstarch slurry helps achieve a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.✨ Crab Roe Tofu is a decadent, silky, and deeply flavorful dish that highlights the elegance of Chinese seafood cuisine. The combination of tender tofu and savory crab roe makes it an unforgettable treat for any special occasion.
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