National Dish Taiwan: Century Egg Tofu (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Century Egg Tofu, one of the more intriguing plates in Taiwan’s culinary repertoire. It brings together the cool, silky texture of tofu and the rich, savoury depth of century eggs — preserved eggs with a striking dark, almost jelly-like quality. The contrast of gentle and bold is what makes this dish so memorable, and it comes together in minutes with only a handful of ingredients. Simple, striking and full of character, it is a wonderful way to explore Taiwanese flavours at home.
About Century Egg Tofu
Century Egg Tofu is a genuine highlight of Taiwanese cooking, delighting locals and visitors alike. It pairs the delicate texture of tofu with the singular flavour of century eggs, which develop their character through a special fermentation process. These eggs are known for their dark, almost jelly-like consistency and lend the dish an intense, savoury depth. Combined with tofu, the result is a wonderfully moreish pairing that is as pleasing to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g tofu
- 2 century eggs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 spring onion
- A few coriander leaves
- A pinch of pepper
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Century Egg Tofu, pay attention to the quality of the tofu. Fresh, silken tofu works best, as it soaks up the flavours of the other ingredients beautifully. You will usually find century eggs in Asian grocery shops or in the speciality sections of larger supermarkets. The remaining ingredients are generally easy to source, which makes the whole dish refreshingly straightforward to put together.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making Century Egg Tofu, it helps to prepare all of your ingredients well. Cut the tofu into even cubes so it stays neat when handled. The century eggs should be carefully peeled and cut into small pieces. You can also slice the spring onion into fine rings to give the dish a fresh note and a pop of colour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the sesame oil.
- Add the tofu cubes to the pan and fry for about 5–7 minutes, until golden.
- Add the chopped century eggs and the soy sauce, then fry for a further 3 minutes.
- Scatter over the sliced spring onion and the pepper, and mix everything together well.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of Century Egg Tofu, swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari. When buying tofu, check that it contains no gluten-based additives. As tofu is naturally lactose-free, the dish is also suitable for anyone who is lactose intolerant, and the century eggs contain no dairy either. With these small adjustments, you can enjoy this delicious dish without a second thought.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, the traditional Century Egg Tofu recipe poses a challenge, as century eggs are not plant-based. A great alternative is to replace them with marinated tofu-based egg substitutes, which are stocked in many Asian shops. Alternatively, you can adapt the recipe by using simply vegetables and seasonings to create a tasty vegan dish — much like a plate of Crispy Fried Tofu. Vegetarians, on the other hand, can enjoy the dish as it is and savour its varied combination of flavours.
More tips and tricks
To enjoy the full aroma of Century Egg Tofu, prepare the dish fresh and serve it while still warm. A small pinch of chilli flakes adds an extra kick and deepens the flavour. It is also worth adding fresh herbs such as coriander or basil, as they lend the dish a pleasant freshness. If you have a sweet tooth, a touch of honey or a sweet chilli sauce can bring a harmonious balance to the flavours.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Making Century Egg Tofu is easy to tailor to personal preference. If you prefer things milder, reduce the amount of soy sauce, while spice lovers can add garlic or ginger to give the dish more depth. Experiment, too, with different varieties of century egg, or try adding extra vegetables such as spinach or pak choi, as you might in a Braised Tofu With Mushrooms. Every change brings a new dimension to the dish, so you can keep creating fresh flavour experiences.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find century eggs, there are a few alternatives that offer a similar flavour. Marinated black eggs or even smoked eggs can bring a distinctive taste to the dish. Instead of sesame oil, you can use other oils such as olive oil or peanut oil, which also make an excellent addition. Tofu can quickly be swapped for other plant-based protein sources such as tempeh to suit different dietary needs.
Drink pairing ideas
Several drinks pair beautifully with a delicious plate of Century Egg Tofu. A refreshing jasmine tea offers a fine balance, while a cool glass of Asian beer complements the flavours perfectly. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, green smoothies or fruity lemonades work very well. All of these choices harmonise with the dish’s intense flavours and round off the culinary experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
An appealing presentation can greatly enhance the experience of eating Century Egg Tofu. Use attractive plates and garnish the dish with fresh coriander, sesame seeds or a slice of lime to add colour and freshness. Serving it in a wooden bowl or on a decorative board can underline the Asian setting and give the table an elegant touch. A thoughtful design not only elevates the dish but also impresses your guests.
A bit of history
The origins of Century Egg Tofu reach back into the oldest traditions of Taiwanese cooking, where century eggs play a significant role. The fermentation process behind these eggs is not only a culinary art but also a fine example of the respectful use of ingredients. This dish reflects the cultural diversity and culinary creativity of Taiwan. It stands as a mark of connection to old traditions and the constant evolution of culinary practice — one reason it remains such a well-loved part of Taiwanese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
- Crispy Fried Tofu
- Cold Noodles With Sesame Sauce
- Eggplant With Garlic Sauce
- Fried Tofu With Pickled Cabbage
- Cucumber Salad
Summary: Century Egg Tofu
Century Egg Tofu is a truly unique dish, offering a blend of textures and flavours you really should not miss. It unites the simplicity and delicious taste of tofu with the special character of century eggs. This dish is not only a treat for the palate but also a genuine enrichment of your culinary experiences. Give it a try and let the varied cuisine of Taiwan work its magic on you.
