Instant Pot Tofu Pudding 豆腐花 (免石膏粉)

Soak Soybeans:

1. Method 1 - Overnight Soaking Method: Place 1 cup (190g) dry soybeans in a 1L container. Pour 3 cups (750ml) cold water in the large container and give it a few stirs. Allow beans to soak overnight for at least 8 - 16 hours. If your house is very warm, place the large container in the fridge to avoid fermentation.
2. Method 2 - Quick Soaking Method: Place 1 cup (190g) dried soybeans and 3 cups (750ml) cold water in pressure cooker. Close lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 0 minute + 30 minutes Natural Release.

Make Tofu Pudding:

1. Blend Soybeans: Discard soaking water and rinse soybeans under cold water. If desired, remove the soybeans’ skin by gently rubbing the beans together. Blend soybeans in a blender with 2 cups (500ml) of cold water until smooth.
2. Pressure Cook Soybeans: Place steamer basket in Instant Pot. Add a pinch of salt and 4 cups (1L) cold water in pressure cooker. Add in blended soybean mixture. Close lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes + 25 minutes Natural Release (after 25 minutes, turn Venting Knob to Venting Position to release remaining pressure). Open the lid carefully.
3. Prepare Ginger Syrup: While soy milk is pressure cooking, place 200g rock sugar, 1 cup (250ml) water, 3 tbsp (38g) brown sugar, and 3 tbsp (50g) crushed ginger in a saucepan. Bring mixture to a simmer over Medium High heat. Stir occasionally to melt the sugar properly. Reduce heat to Medium and simmer for another 2 minutes. Discard crushed ginger and simmer mixture for another 5 - 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken and can lightly coat a spoon. Turn off heat and cool Ginger Syrup to room temperature. Place Ginger Syrup in fridge to chill if desired.
4. Strain Soy Milk: Remove the steamer basket of okara. Add 1 tsp (3.2) agar-agar powder to a separate large saucepan. Strain the hot Soy Milk with cheesecloth or fine mesh strainers into the saucepan with agar-agar powder.*Critical Pro Tip: Don’t use too much agar agar powder as it may result in a jello texture. Since different brands of agar agar powder may have different gelling power, use the listed amount in this recipe and adjust accordingly. 
5. Make Tofu Pudding: Stir & bring the Tofu Pudding mixture to a simmer to ensure all the agar-agar powder completely dissolves. If desired, sweeten the Tofu Pudding mixture by adding 2 - 3 tbsp (25g - 38g) granulated sugar. Turn off heat once the mixture starts simmering. The Tofu Pudding will set once cooled to room temperature. Place Tofu Pudding in the fridge to chill if desired.*Pro Tip: If the Tofu Pudding mixture is unable to set, heat Tofu Pudding to a simmer and add in more agar agar powder (this works even after being chilled in the fridge).
6. Serve: Tofu Pudding with agar agar powder can only be served at room temperature or cold. Enjoy the silky smooth Tofu Pudding with a few tablespoons of Ginger Syrup!*Cleaning Tip: Best to wash the steamer basket and strainers as soon as possible because the okara will rinse right off when they are still moist.