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Shanghai Mock Goose

A classic Shanghainese appetizer of layered tofu skin braised in a savory-sweet soy sauce, then pressed and pan-fried until crisp. Despite the name, it's a vegetarian dish with a rich, meaty texture.

Total time
60 min
Servings
4
Calories
220
Protein
12g
Shanghai Mock Goose
comfortingtraditionalChineseveganvegetariantofucrispychewy

Ingredients

  • 8 sheets dried tofu skin sheets
  • 4 whole dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ tsp five-spice powder

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak the 4 dried shiitake mushrooms in 1 cup hot water until soft, about 20 minutes. Drain, squeeze dry, and thinly slice the caps; discard stems.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp five-spice powder, and 1/2 cup of the mushroom soaking water. Stir until sugar dissolves.

  3. 3

    Lay 1 sheet of tofu skin on a clean surface. Brush generously with the sauce mixture. Sprinkle with some sliced mushrooms. Repeat with remaining sheets, stacking them neatly.

  4. 4

    Fold the stacked sheets into a tight rectangle about 4 inches wide. Place on a plate, pour any remaining sauce over the top, and let marinate for 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the folded tofu skin in the pan. Cook until golden and crisp on the bottom, about 3 minutes.

  6. 6

    Flip and cook the other side until golden, about 3 minutes more. Add the remaining marinade and 1/2 cup water. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.

  7. 7

    Transfer the mock goose to a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into 1-inch pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with any pan sauce.

  8. 8

    For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of ground ginger or a few drops of sesame oil with the sauce mixture if you have them.

Tools you’ll need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Pastry brush

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