Golden Braised Yuba Rolls with Savory Umami Filling

🌍 Cuisine: Chinese
🏷️ Category: Appetizer
⏱️ Prep: 40 minutes
🍳 Cook: 20 minutes
πŸ‘₯ Serves: 4 servings

πŸ“ About This Recipe

Known as 'Fu Pi Juan' in Cantonese dim sum houses, these soy milk skin rolls are a masterclass in texture, featuring a delicate, crinkly exterior that yields to a succulent filling. Fresh or rehydrated bean curd sheets (yuba) are wrapped around a medley of earthy mushrooms and crunchy vegetables, then seared to a golden crisp before being braised in a rich, silky glaze. This dish celebrates the versatility of the soybean, offering a sophisticated, protein-rich experience that is both deeply comforting and elegantly presented.

πŸ₯— Ingredients

The Wrappers

  • 6 large sheets Dried Bean Curd Sheets (Yuba) (semi-circle or rectangular shape)
  • 2 cups Warm Water (for softening the sheets)

The Filling

  • 6 pieces Dried Shiitake Mushrooms (soaked in hot water, then finely diced)
  • 1/2 cup Bamboo Shoots (canned or fresh, julienned finely)
  • 1 small Carrots (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup Wood Ear Mushrooms (rehydrated and finely sliced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger (freshly grated)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce

The Braising Liquid

  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce (use vegetarian mushroom sauce for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Rice Wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for a slurry)

For Garnish

  • 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced on the bias)
  • 1 sprig Cilantro (fresh leaves)

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³ Instructions

  1. 1

    Rehydrate the dried shiitake and wood ear mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes. Once soft, squeeze out excess water, remove stems from shiitake, and finely dice both.

  2. 2

    If using dried yuba sheets, gently dip them into a tray of warm water for 30-60 seconds until pliable. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry carefully to avoid tearing.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic, sautΓ©ing for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add the diced shiitake, wood ear mushrooms, carrots, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and any moisture has evaporated.

  5. 5

    Season the filling with 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and sesame oil. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before rolling.

  6. 6

    Cut the yuba sheets into rectangles (approximately 6x8 inches). Place 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom edge of a sheet.

  7. 7

    Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and roll upward like a burrito. Use a little cornstarch slurry to seal the final edge.

  8. 8

    Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a clean non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the rolls seam-side down and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

  9. 9

    In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar.

  10. 10

    Pour the braising liquid into the pan with the rolls. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes. This allows the yuba to absorb the savory flavors.

  11. 11

    Remove the lid and transfer the rolls to a serving platter, leaving the liquid in the pan.

  12. 12

    Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid in the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze (about 1 minute).

  13. 13

    Pour the thickened glaze over the rolls and garnish generously with sliced green onions and cilantro.

πŸ’‘ Chef's Tips

Handle yuba sheets with care as they are fragile when wet; if they tear, you can double-wrap them. Ensure the filling is quite dry before rolling to prevent the yuba from becoming soggy or bursting during frying. For an extra crisp exterior, you can deep-fry the rolls before braising, though pan-frying is a lighter, healthier alternative. If you cannot find yuba, you can use large cabbage leaves (blanched) for a different but delicious variation. Make a large batch and freeze them after the pan-frying step; simply braise them directly from frozen when ready to eat.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve as a centerpiece for a traditional Dim Sum brunch alongside Har Gow and Siu Mai. Pair with a pot of hot Jasmine or Pu-erh tea to cut through the richness of the glaze. Serve over a bed of steamed bok choy or yu choy to soak up the extra umami sauce. Accompany with a side of spicy chili oil or XO sauce for those who enjoy a kick of heat. Works beautifully as a protein-rich side dish for a simple bowl of congee or steamed white rice.