Suzhou Braised Tofu (Su Shi Hong Shao Dou Fu / 苏式红烧豆腐)
Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
The Jiangnan approach to tofu is fundamentally different from Sichuan — where Sichuan uses tofu as a spice vehicle, Jiangnan treats tofu as the star. Suzhou braised tofu uses firm tofu pan-fried golden before braising in light soy, Shaoxing wine, rock sugar, and ginger. The braise is gentler, the sauce lighter, the flavour more delicate. A perfect illustration of the Jiangnan restraint philosophy.