How to make stinky tofu marinade
In the past 10 days, among the hot topics about food preparation on the Internet, "How to make stinky tofu marinade" has become one of the hot search topics. As a traditional Chinese specialty snack, stinky tofu has always attracted much attention for its unique flavor and production technology. This article will introduce in detail the preparation method of stinky tofu marinade, and attach relevant data for reference.
1. Basic introduction to stinky tofu stew

Stinky tofu marinade is a key raw material for making stinky tofu, and its quality directly affects the flavor of the finished product. Traditional stinky tofu stew needs to be fermented for a long time to form a special "stinky" substance. Modern home production can achieve similar results by simplifying the process.
| Ingredients | function | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| tofu | main raw materials | 100% |
| salt | Preservation, seasoning | 3-5% |
| rice wine | Promote fermentation | 2-3% |
| spices | Add flavor | 0.5-1% |
2. Detailed explanation of production steps
1.Prepare ingredients: Choose fresh old tofu, the texture should be tight and not brittle. Other ingredients include salt, rice wine, peppercorns, star anise and other spices.
2.Tofu processing: Cut the tofu into 3-5cm square pieces and place it in a ventilated place to dry the surface moisture, which will take about 2-3 hours.
3.making brine: Boil water, add salt, rice wine and spices, and cool to room temperature. The following is the reference ratio:
| Material | Dosage (per 500g tofu) |
|---|---|
| water | 1000ml |
| salt | 30g |
| rice wine | 20ml |
| Zanthoxylum bungeanum | 5g |
| star anise | 2 pieces |
4.fermentation process: Put the tofu cubes into a sterilized container, pour in brine to completely submerge the tofu. After sealing, place it in a cool place for fermentation. The best temperature is controlled at 20-25°C.
5.Fermentation time: Adjust according to personal taste:
| Fermentation days | Flavor characteristics |
|---|---|
| 3-5 days | Slightly smelly, suitable for first time tryers |
| 7-10 days | Medium odor, traditional flavor |
| More than 15 days | Strong smell, loved by experienced fans |
3. Precautions
1.Hygiene requirements: All containers and tools must be strictly sterilized to avoid fermentation failure caused by bacterial contamination.
2.temperature control: The temperature should not be too high during fermentation, otherwise it will easily deteriorate; nor should it be too low, otherwise the fermentation will be slow.
3.observe changes: Normal fermentation will produce a small amount of bubbles and special smell. If mildew or peculiar smell appears, it should be discarded immediately.
4.Save method: After fermentation is completed, it can be refrigerated and stored, and is best consumed within 1 month.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why doesn’t my stinky tofu stew stink?
A: It may be that the fermentation time is insufficient or the temperature is too low. It is recommended to extend the fermentation time or increase the ambient temperature.
Q: Is it normal for white matter to appear on the surface of stinky tofu stew?
A: A small amount of white bacterial film is a normal phenomenon. If it appears in a large area or the color is abnormal, it may have deteriorated.
Q: Can other wine be used instead of rice wine?
A: It is recommended to use rice wine, other alcoholic beverages may affect the final flavor.
5. Innovative practices
1.rapid fermentation method: Adding a small amount of ready-made stinky tofu marinade as a starter can shorten the fermentation time to 2-3 days.
2.Flavor improvement: Add chili, tangerine peel and other spices according to personal preference to create a unique taste.
3.Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ingredients such as mushrooms and tempeh to replace traditional recipes to make stinky tofu stew suitable for vegetarians.
Through the above detailed introduction, I believe you have mastered the essentials of making stinky tofu marinade. Stinky tofu is a traditional Chinese delicacy, and its production process contains rich food culture. It is recommended that first-timers start with small batches, gradually master the fermentation techniques, and finally make stinky tofu that suits their personal taste.
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