Discover the authentic taste of China with this delightful tofu and egg stew recipe. Known as 鸡蛋抱豆腐 (ji dan bao dou fu) which translates to ‘egg hugs tofu’, this dish is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. Dive into this traditional Chinese delicacy that’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with protein.

Can You Eat Eggs and Tofu Together?

Yes, egg and tofu can be eaten together. In China, there are many dishes that call for combining these two protein powerhouses into delicious dishes. Apart from packing in tons of protein, the combination of egg and tofu packs a nice punch of flavor that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Is Egg and Tofu Stew Healthy?

In one word, yes. Eating egg and tofu stew is a healthy way to get a bunch of protein in your body. We’re not adding anything significantly unhealthy, apart from a big of sugar, so ultimately you are getting a nice and light stew that’ll fill you up easily.

As with almost all foods, you can’t scarf this dish down endlessly, though. You’ll need to balance it out with some vegetables and fruit.

What Types of Tofu Are There?

There are seven main types of tofu each of which can be used in different dishes depending on how they’re cooked:

• Silken tofu – soft and smooth, works perfectly in stews, soups, and side dishes
• Medium tofu – dry and somewhat firm, can be used to great effect in stir-fries or even on the grill
• Firm tofu – firm, makes for a great meat substitute
• Tofu skins – peelings of the tofu’s outer layer, can be enjoyed in rolls and soups
• Fermented tofu – comes in several varieties with distinct flavors, very versatile
• Aburaage tofu – a Japanese style of tofu that works primarily as a wrap that can be stuffed with meats and other ingredients
• Shredded tofu – a Chinese favorite, these firm little strips can be used in several dishes including salads and stir-fries

For our tofu and egg stew, as you might have guessed, we’re using Silken tofu. Of course, you can experiment with other types. If your main concern is how much protein you’re getting, don’t underestimate this humble, wobbly bean curd product.

It packs 40% of protein in its soft body, making it a great alternative if you’ve had your fill of meat and need something different.

Egg and Tofu Chinese Stew Ingredients

Egg and tofu stew is meant to be a simple dish. Yet, it’s very flavorful and highly nutritious thanks to some key ingredients.

• Silken Tofu: Silken tofu, with its soft and smooth texture, is the ideal choice for this stew. Its delicate consistency allows it to absorb the flavors of the stew while providing a creamy and melt-in-the-mouth experience. Additionally, silken tofu is rich in protein, making it a nutritious addition to the dish.
• Light Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce is preferred for its salty and slightly sweet flavor profile. It adds depth to the dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the other ingredients. Unlike dark soy sauce, which is thicker and has a more intense taste, light soy sauce keeps the dish light and enhances the overall taste.
• Chilli Paste: Chilli paste introduces a kick of spice to the stew, balancing the mildness of the tofu and eggs. It not only adds heat but also imparts a rich, savory depth to the dish. The choice of chili paste can be varied based on personal preference, but it’s essential for that authentic Chinese touch.
• Spring Onions: Spring onions, with their mild and slightly peppery flavor, add a fresh crunch to the stew. The green parts, when used as a garnish, introduce a vibrant color contrast, making the dish visually appealing. Moreover, spring onions infuse the stew with a subtle aromatic essence that complements the other ingredients.

To make the perfect Chinese egg tofu stew, here’s the full list of ingredients:

• Silken tofu 250-300g (I got mine from a local supermarket. If you can’t find any in yours, try a Chinese or Asian shop)
• 2 medium to large eggs
• 1 tbsp of light soy sauce 
• ½ tbsp of Guilin chili paste (You can replace this with Laoganma chili sauce or any chili paste you fancy)
• ¼ tsp of sugar 
• ⅔ cups of water
• 1 Spring onion (the green part)
• Chopped chilies to your taste

We’ve focused on making this recipe as simple as possible. However, you don’t need to stop with the above ingredients. You can also include others you feel might fit your taste. In China, we often make this stew in two additional ways:

• option 1: Add soaked and finely chopped shiitake mushroom
• option 2: Add minced pork

How to Make Egg Tofu Chinese Stew

To make this delicious and nutritious tofu and egg stew, you only need about 10 minutes, including prep.

1. Gently slice up your tofu, then beat your eggs and set aside.
2. Mix your light soy sauce with the chili paste, water, and sugar, then set aside as well.
3. Finely chop the green portion of your spring onion and the chili of your choice.
4. Heat up a pan and add half a tablespoon of vegetable oil but don’t let it heat up completely.
5. Put your tofu in the pan gently and let it fry for 1 minute.
6. Add your beaten eggs and let it all cook for one more minute.
7. Add your mixed sauce and reduce to low heat. Cover your pan with a lid and let it all cook for 6 minutes.
8. Turn off your stove, and garnish your stew with your spring onion slices and chili.
9. Serve with rice and a salad, there you have a perfectly healthy and stress-free meal.

Try It Yourself!

And there you have it! This is how you can make simple and quick tofu and egg stew. It’s perfect for lunch but also any other occasion. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out by tagging us on Instagram @linschinesekitchen.