Chinese
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ChineseDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsAlmond tofu, known as xing ren dou fu in Mandarin, is a beloved traditional Chinese dessert featuring a smooth, delicate jelly made from almond milk and agar. Despite its name, this dish contains no actual tofu but gets its moniker from its silky texture reminiscent of soft tofu. The subtle almond flavor is beautifully complemented by sweet lychees and nutrient-rich goji berries floating in a light sugar syrup. This elegant dessert is naturally cooling, making it particularly popular during warmer months. It requires minimal cooking and is surprisingly simple to prepare, though it does need time to set. The result is a sophisticated, not-too-sweet dessert that cleanses the palate and showcases the refined simplicity characteristic of Chinese cuisine. This version stays true to traditional preparation methods while being accessible to home cooks.
Instructions
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In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of cold milk with the agar powder. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the agar.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the agar completely dissolves, about 5-7 minutes.
Add honey and a pinch of salt to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract thoroughly.
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a shallow rectangular dish or individual serving bowls to remove any lumps.
Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until completely set and firm to the touch.
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining 1 cup of water with 3 tablespoons of honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the goji berries to the syrup and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Peel and deseed the lychees if using fresh, or drain if using canned.
Once the almond tofu is set, cut it into diamond-shaped pieces or cubes using a sharp knife.
Gently transfer the almond tofu pieces to serving bowls.
Arrange lychees around the almond tofu pieces.
Pour the cooled goji berry syrup over the top, distributing the berries evenly.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve.
Almond Tofu with Lychee and Goji Berries
4.0 (150)
A silky, delicate Chinese almond jelly dessert topped with fresh lychees and goji berries in a light syrup. This refreshing treat is naturally dairy-free and perfect for any occasion.
medium
30 min
6 servings
Ingredients
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Almond Jelly Base
- 4 cups Milk, cold
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 teaspoons Salt
Sweeteners
- 6 tablespoons Honey, divided (3 for base, 3 for syrup)
Toppings
- 18 pieces Lychee, peeled and deseeded if fresh
- 3 tablespoons Goji Berry, dried
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the best texture, avoid over-stirring the agar mixture once it begins to cool, as this can create a cloudy appearance.
•If you prefer a firmer texture similar to commercial versions, increase the agar powder slightly.
•Fresh lychees are ideal when in season, but high-quality canned lychees work beautifully and are available year-round.
•For an elegant presentation, use individual ramekins or molds and unmold onto plates before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•You can substitute almond extract for vanilla for a more pronounced almond flavor, but use sparingly as it is quite potent.
•Some traditional variations include adding a splash of evaporated milk to the syrup for extra richness.
•If goji berries are unavailable, dried cranberries rehydrated in the syrup make an acceptable substitute, though the flavor profile will differ.
•For a more authentic taste, seek out apricot kernel extract from Asian markets instead of vanilla.
Serving & Pairings
what goes well•This dessert can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
Store the set almond tofu covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the goji berry syrup in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Fresh lychees should be stored separately and added just before serving. Assemble the complete dessert no more than 2 hours before serving to maintain the best texture and appearance. Do not freeze, as the texture of the almond jelly will become grainy and unpleasant upon thawing.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If the almond tofu has been refrigerated and becomes too firm, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. The syrup can be gently warmed if it has thickened too much in the refrigerator, but allow it to cool again before pouring over the cold almond tofu.
