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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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