“Fu yu”, or fermented beancurd, is an ingredient well worth experimenting with. An acquired taste for some, it is a preserved form of soybean that’s often used as a base sauce within a dish, or as a condiment to add umami when indulging in warm chicken porridge.
There are different kinds of fermented tofu for different uses. Red fermented beancurd tends to be used as a marinade for braised or fried meats, while dishes such as this one make use of the white version, which has a hint of sesame oil.
When the fu yu is tossed through with a vegetable such as romaine lettuce (“yau mak”), it brings a spectacular depth of flavour to the palate. This is one of those dishes to be enjoyed at lunch or dinner, accompanying a main dish such as Cantonese-style steamed fish.
Note that the romaine lettuce should retain a good amount of crunch and texture when served: a good tip is to toss the leaves through quickly in a wok on high heat, so as not to release too much moisture during the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 250g baby romaine lettuce leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
- 1 large red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced
- 2 squares white fu yu (white fermented bean curd), mashed into a paste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
Method
- Heat a wok on a medium flame and allow it to come to temperature before adding the oil.
- Toss in the garlic and chilli. Stir swiftly for 15 seconds or until fragrant, and without browning the garlic.
- Add the fu yu paste and toss in the romaine lettuce leaves.
Turn the heat up to high and toss continuously so as not to allow the lettuce leaves to wilt too quickly. This should take about 10 seconds or so. - Remove from the heat immediately and plate. Remember that the residual heat will cook the lettuce further.
Enjoy your “fu yu yau mak” with a bowl of hot steamed rice and steamed fish.
@theorangesieve serves up recipes from the heart, inspired by travels near and far. It’s all about food that humbly invites you to discover the truth about flavour: the people, the culture and the stories behind them… the kind of food that leaves you with a smile for reasons you can’t quite put your finger on.