Description
Japanese versions are often fake, made of milk and agar flavored with artificial 'almond extract'. The authentic version is a medicinal dessert made by grinding actual 'Apricot Kernels (Xing Ren)', which are deeply soothing for the throat.
Restaurants serving Xing Ren Dou Fu (Authentic Almond Tofu)
Researching
We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Nan Xing & Bei Xing(Apricot kernels)
- Rock sugar
- Agar powder(or Gelatin)
- Water
- Osmanthus syrup
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe & Differences]
- (Ingredients) Procure 'Nan Xing' (sweet) and 'Bei Xing' (bitter/medicinal) apricot kernels from a Chinese pharmacy.
- Soak overnight until soft.
- Blend the kernels with water to extract a pure, snow-white 'Apricot Milk'.
- Strain meticulously through a fine cheesecloth to remove all grit.
- Heat this 100% pure apricot milk in a pot with rock sugar.
- Dissolve agar powder (or gelatin), pour into molds, and chill until set.
- Cut into diamonds and serve with a syrup made of rock sugar and Osmanthus flowers. The genuine, fruity aroma is dimensions above artificial extracts.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Genuine rich aroma woven by sweet & bitter apricot kernels
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Using pure Xing Ren powder makes it easier)
Pairing
Jasmine Tea / Tieguanyin Tea
Trivia
[Trivia] 'Xing Ren' translates to apricot kernel. Because its flavor resembles almonds, the West and Japan started using cheap 'almonds' as a substitute. The real thing is highly medicinal, used to cure coughs.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Japan often serves it mixed with canned fruits (mandarins, pineapples). In high-end authentic Chinese dining, it is served without fruit, dressed only in a simple syrup to highlight the pure apricot kernel aroma.
Allergen
None (Nut allergy caution)