Tofu for beginners (2)

-1 Tbs minced ginger

-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

-2 to 3 Tbs pixian sauce

-2 large Tbs preserved black beans

-10 milliliters soy sauce

-1 tsp salt

-1 tsp sugar

-60 milliliters water

-1 tsp cornstarch

-2 scallions, chopped, including green part

-1 tsp whole Sichuan peppers

Steps:

1. Carefully cut tofu into 2-centimeter-wide cubes.

2. Boil 700 milliliters water, add pinch salt, and slide tofu into water. Boil 2 minutes and drain. Set aside.

3. Make a slurry with the cornstarch and 60 milliliters water and set aside.

4. Pour oil into wok and turn to coat sides. Turn flame on high and add pork. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, then add chilis, ginger and garlic.

5. When aroma from garlic and ginger rises, add pixian sauce and black beans and stir well.

6. Working quickly, add soy, sugar, salt, and cornstarch slurry. Stir together until blended.

7. Add tofu, stir, and let simmer a minute or so.

7. Turn off flame, add scallions and Sichuan pepper and stir once more.

8. Serve over rice.

Doufu si

When I first came to China, I was told that it was considered unhealthy to eat only hot dishes during the span of a meal. Waitstaff would urge me to add to the unfathomable amount of food already ordered simply because I hadn't gotten the balance right.

Discovering the world of cold dishes in Chinese cuisine has been an absolute pleasure. They range from simple to elaborate, from mild to eye-popping. It is in thanks to this division of food that I first came to truly appreciate the variety of doufu recipes. This dish uses a textured, pressed tofu skin and dresses it in a simple but intoxicating sauce. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

-150 grams pressed, textured  tofu skin, cut into 10-centimeter-long slivers

- 1/2 tsp minced ginger

-clove garlic, minced

-8 sprigs fresh cilantro (coriander), trimmed and chopped

-1/2 bell pepper, slivered

-1/2 Hungarian green pepper, slivered

-9 dried chilis

-5 milliliters sesame oil

-15 milliliters salad oil

-8 milliliters dark Chinese vinegar

-1/4 tsp sugar

-1/4 tsp salt

-chili oil, to taste

Steps:

1. Toss all ingredients together and let sit 30 minutes before serving.