Almond Tofu – A Deliciously Creamy, Soy-Free Dessert
🌱 What Is Almond Tofu?
Almond tofu, known as "xìngrén dòufu" in Chinese and "annin tofu" in Japanese, is a traditional East Asian dessert made from sweet apricot kernel milk, agar (a plant-based gelling agent), and sugar. Despite its name, it doesn't contain soybeans or resemble traditional tofu in taste or texture. Instead, it's a soft, jellied dessert with a delicate almond-like flavour, often served chilled and accompanied by fruits or sweet syrups.
🥜 How Almond Tofu Compares to Soy Tofu
Key Takeaway: Almond tofu is a sweet, dessert-like dish with a delicate almond flavour, differing significantly from the savoury, protein-rich soy tofu.
🔬 Nutritional Information
Almond tofu's nutritional profile varies based on the recipe, especially the amount of sugar and type of thickening agent used. On average, per 100g serving:
Calories: ~60-100 kcal
Protein: ~1-3g
Fat: ~1-3g
Carbohydrates: ~8-16g
Calcium: ~20-60mg
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
🌍 Environmental Impact
When considering the environmental impact:
Apricot Kernels/Almonds: Require significant water resources for cultivation.
Agar Production: Derived from seaweed, generally has a lower environmental footprint.
Sugar Production: Can contribute to deforestation and habitat loss if not sourced sustainably.
Eco Tip: To minimize environmental impact, source ingredients from sustainable and ethical producers.
👩🍳 How to Make Almond Tofu at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
🥣 Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk or apricot kernel milk
0.5 oz (14g) gelatin powder or 0.1 oz (3g) agar-agar powder (for a vegan option)
5 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for enhanced flavour)
Fresh fruits or sweet syrup for serving
🔪 Instructions:
Prepare the Gelling Agent: If using gelatin, sprinkle it over ½ cup of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. For agar-agar, dissolve it in ½ cup of water and bring to a boil, simmering until fully dissolved.
Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the almond or apricot kernel milk over medium heat until warm (do not boil). Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
Combine Mixtures: Add the dissolved gelling agent to the warm milk, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution. If using almond extract, add it now.
Strain and Pour: For an extra smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a mould or serving dish.
Set and Chill: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Serve: Cut into cubes or desired shapes and serve chilled, optionally topped with fresh fruits or a light syrup.
🍽️ 5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Almond Tofu
Classic Almond Tofu with Fruit Cocktail: Serve chilled almond tofu cubes with a mix of fresh or canned fruits for a refreshing dessert.
Almond Tofu with Osmanthus Syrup: Drizzle with fragrant osmanthus-infused syrup to enhance its floral notes.
Matcha Almond Tofu: Incorporate a teaspoon of matcha powder into the mixture for a green tea-flavoured twist.
Almond Tofu Parfait: Layer almond tofu cubes with granola and berries for a delightful parfait.
Coconut Almond Tofu: Replace part of the almond milk with coconut milk for a tropical flavour profile.
💡 Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store almond tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing alters its delicate texture.
Serving: Always serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
❓ Troubleshooting
Why is my almond tofu not setting?
Ensure you've used the correct amount of gelling agent and that it's fully dissolved before mixing.
Why is the texture grainy?
Strain the mixture before setting it to remove any undissolved particles.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, modify the sugar amount to suit your taste preferences.
Is there a vegan option?
Use agar-agar instead of gelatin to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
🥢 Final Takeaway: Almond Tofu as a Unique, Delicate Treat
Almond tofu is a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert that stands apart from soy-based tofu. While it shares the name "tofu," its silky texture and mild sweetness make it a delightful addition to East Asian cuisine.
✅ Soy-Free & Dairy-Free: Perfect for those with soy allergies or seeking a plant-based treat.
✅ Simple to Make: Requires only a few ingredients and minimal cooking.
✅ Versatile & Customisable: Can be paired with fruit, syrups, or other flavours.
✅ Culturally Significant: A beloved dish across China, Japan, and Taiwan.
If you’ve never tried almond tofu before, now’s the perfect time to experience this light and nourishing dessert! 🍽️✨