At the table
Eat the stems and leaves with chopsticks, usually alongside rice. It needs no dipping sauce.
Confirm whether the dish contains shrimp paste, oyster sauce or animal fat if avoiding them. Potentially vegan, but confirm the fermented-tofu ingredients, cooking oil and any extra sauces.
Red or white fermented tofu gives different color and flavor. Chili is optional and not included in this mild reference version.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Red or white fermented tofu gives different color and flavor. Chili is optional and not included in this mild reference version.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Salty fermented-tofu savor and garlic.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft leaves and lightly crisp stems.
- How it’s made
- Mash fermented tofu with its brine and a little sugar; stir-fry garlic and water spinach in oil, then toss with the sauce.
Red or white fermented tofu gives different color and flavor. Chili is optional and not included in this mild reference version.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangdong.
About this regional connection
Guangdong: Association does not imply exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有腐乳空心菜吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Water spinach with fermented tofu
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Fermented tofu is used as a savory seasoning for leafy vegetables in Cantonese cooking; shrimp-paste water spinach is a different seasoning variant.