Doufu Hua with Ginger and Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe

Growing up we used to have dim sum a few Sundays each month to catch up with family and eat. One of the most memorable desserts we would always order was Doufu Hua, also known as Tofu Pudding. A highlight of this dessert is the combination of silky smooth tofu combined with warm, fragrant ginger and brown sugar syrup. It’s so much fun watching our mom, who has a huge sweet tooth, ask the dim sum lady for a big bowl of syrup to drizzle over a generous portion of Doufu Hua. When I was a kid I always focused on the salt and savory dim sum dishes, but now as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate sweetness and comforting warmth of this dessert. So, memories like these are what inspired me to recreate this classic dessert at home.

So today I’m excited to share with you our family recipe for Doufu Hua with Ginger and Brown Sugar Syrup. 

You will need the following ingredients:

• 5 cups homemade rich soy milk
• 1 tablespoon gypsum
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 piece fresh ginger knob and pounded
• 8 oz. rock sugar or brown rock sugar chunks
• 1 cup water

Let’s get started! 

1. In a small bowl, dissolve gypsum in 1/4 cup of water and set aside. 
2. In a large pot, heat the homemade rich soy milk until steaming but not boiling.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch or potato starch with 1/3 cup of water until well combined.
4. Gradually add the starch mixture to the heated soy milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. I used a sifter to ensure a smooth consistency.
5. Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove it from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
6. While the mixture is cooling, it’s time to prepare the ginger and brown sugar syrup. 7. Pound the fresh ginger knob to release its aromatic flavors.
7. In a saucepan, combine the ginger, rock sugar or brown rock sugar chunks, and 1 cup of water.
8. Bring the syrup to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
9. Drain the dissolved gypsum solution into the cooled soy milk mixture.
10. Mix well to ensure that the gypsum is evenly incorporated.
11. Pour the mixture into heatproof containers or bowls, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
12. Steam the tofu pudding in a steamer for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat. 
13. Remove the tofu pudding from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
14. Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your homemade Doufu Hua with Ginger and Brown Sugar Syrup!
15. To serve, carefully unmold the tofu pudding onto individual dessert bowls or plates.
16. Drizzle each serving with a generous amount of the fragrant ginger and brown sugar syrup.

This dessert is so nostalgic and comforting, perfect for any time of the year. It is traditionally served warm, but my mom has also served it chilled during summer for a refreshing twist. If you have a sore throat this served cold is very soothing and can provide relief. Also to note, add more ginger to your syrup as it adds an extra kick of warmth and spiciness to the dessert that can help with your sore throat.

Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, this Doufu Hua with Ginger and Brown Sugar Syrup will surely delight your taste buds. I hope this gets added to your list of favorite desserts to make at home.

Happy Eating!

<3 Ann