Chinese Pressed Tofu (Dou Gan) — Texture Manipulation
China — national ingredient
Dou gan (豆干) — pressed tofu — is tofu that has been compressed under weighted boards to expel most of its water, transforming the soft block into a dense, chewy, protein-rich ingredient. It slices cleanly, holds its shape in stir-fries, absorbs marinades deeply, and develops a chew that no soft tofu can provide. Essential to Chinese Buddhist cuisine and Sichuan cold dishes.