Chinese Celery and Dried Tofu Stir Fry with Pork or Beef

Chinese Celery and Dried Tofu Stir Fry with Pork or Beef is a classic Chinese home-style dish that's simple, satisfying, and full of texture. It features thinly sliced marinated pork or beef stir-fried with savory dougan (seasoned dried tofu) and crisp julienned celery. The ingredients may be humble, but the result is packed with umami and perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.

Jump to:

• What is Chinese Celery and Dried Tofu Stir Fry with Pork or Beef?
• What is Dougan?
• What is Chinese Celery?
• Slicing Meat Chinese-Style (Not Pulled!)
• How to Stir Fry Chinese Celery and Dried Tofu with Pork or Beef (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Chinese Celery and Dried Tofu Stir Fry with Pork or Beef Recipe
• More Delicious Classic Chinese Dishes!
• Pin for later!

What is Chinese Celery and Dried Tofu Stir Fry with Pork or Beef?

This classic Chinese stir fry is called 芹菜香乾肉絲 in Mandarin, which directly translates to "Celery, Pressed Tofu, and Shredded Meat." While the name might sound like a mouthful, it's a simple, flavorful, and very common dish in Chinese and Taiwanese home cooking.

Traditionally, this dish is made with pork, but we actually prefer to use beef sometimes-it's totally up to you! The meat is thinly sliced (not pulled), then stir fried with savory dougan (a type of firm, seasoned dried tofu) and crisp julienned celery. The combination of textures and umami flavor is what makes this dish so satisfying.

What is Dougan?

Dougan aka 豆乾 literally means "dried tofu" in Chinese. It's a type of firm, pressed tofu that's been seasoned and cooked, commonly found in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine.

Dougan is made from soybeans and flavored with ingredients like soy sauce, salt, cinnamon, star anise, and licorice, giving it a rich, savory taste and chewy texture.

While it might look similar to firm tofu, dougan is not the same-the flavor is deeper and the texture is denser. You can substitute firm tofu if needed, but just know the final dish won't quite have the same bite or flavor intensity.

What is Chinese Celery?

Chinese celery, also known as leaf celery, is a variety of celery commonly used in Chinese and Taiwanese cooking. It has thinner stalks, more leafy tops, and a stronger, more herbaceous flavor than the typical celery found in most Western grocery stores.

Because the stalks are so slim and tender, Chinese celery cooks quickly and works especially well in stir fry dishes like this one.

That said, regular celery works just fine too-in fact, my mom actually prefers using regular celery in this dish! Just slice it thinner (julienne style) so it cooks faster and blends better with the dougan and meat.

By the way! If you are interested in learning more about ALL the Chinese veggies - check out my post on Different types of Chinese vegetables!

Slicing Meat Chinese-Style (Not Pulled!)

In Chinese cooking, "shredded meat" doesn't mean pulled pork. It actually refers to slicing meat-usually pork or beef-into thin, even strips. This helps it cook quickly and soak up more marinade and flavor in every bite.

A sharp knife works great for this, but if slicing is tricky, here's a tip: partially freeze the meat first. When it's slightly firm but not fully frozen, it's much easier to cut into thin, uniform pieces.

How to Stir Fry Chinese Celery and Dried Tofu with Pork or Beef (Step by Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• ½ lb pork or beef, thinly sliced into strips (see slicing tip above)
• 1 cup dougan (dried tofu), cut into 2-inch thin strips
• 1 cup Chinese celery, julienned (or regular celery sliced thin)
• 2 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoon sesame oil

Marinate the meat:
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine pork or beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes. (You can also marinate it overnight in the fridge.)

Prep the veggies and tofu:
While the meat marinates, cut the dougan and celery into thin strips, about 2 inches long. If you're using regular celery, slice it extra thin so it cooks quickly.

Cook the meat:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat and stir fry until just browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Cook the dougan and celery:
If needed, add a little more oil to the pan. Add dougan and stir fry for about 1 minute, then add the celery. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the celery starts to soften. (It may take longer if using regular celery or if the pieces are thicker.)

Combine everything:
Return the cooked meat to the pan. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, white pepper, and salt to taste. Stir fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through.

Remove from heat and enjoy!

Storage & Reheating

To Store:
Let the stir fry cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days

To Reheat:

• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or a drizzle of oil to a pan or wok and stir fry over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-45 second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Add a tiny bit of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Just skip the meat entirely and double the amount of dougan or add other protein-rich ingredients like shiitake mushrooms or seitan.

What can I use if I can't find dougan (dried tofu)?
You can substitute firm tofu - press it well to remove moisture and pan-fry first to firm it up before adding to the stir fry. The flavor will be milder, but still tasty.

Can I use regular celery instead of Chinese celery?
Absolutely. Slice it thinner (julienne style) so it cooks quickly and mixes evenly with the tofu and meat.

What kind of meat works best?
Pork loin or beef flank/stir-fry cuts are great because they slice thinly and stay tender when cooked quickly.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas go nicely with the flavors of this dish - just make sure to adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender.

More Delicious Classic Chinese Dishes!

Looking for more comforting, home-style Chinese recipes? Try these next:

• Daikon Radish Pork Soup - A soothing, healthy soup made with tender pork, cubed daikon, ginger, and garlic. This classic Chinese soup is light but full of flavor-no wonder we make it so often!
• Mapo Tofu - I'm actually not the biggest tofu fan… but I love Mapo Tofu. Soft tofu simmered in a spicy, savory, meaty sauce-this is true Chinese comfort food, especially served over rice!
• Chicken Fried Rice - Got leftover rice? Turn it into a delicious meal! This easy fried rice recipe is made with chicken, veggies, egg, and a savory sauce. Great for lunch or dinner.
• Zha Jiang Mian (Chinese Fried Sauce Noodles) - Have you tried this yet? Minced pork is cooked in a sweet and savory bean sauce, then served over noodles with julienned cucumber and green onions. So easy and satisfying!

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