Steamed silken tofu with black vinegar and chilli oil
I love silken tofu: the texture is sublime warm or cold, and this dish works well served either way. Add a steamed fish, some rice and greens and you’ve got a great shared meal. As a bonus, this recipe’s sauce is very adaptable and equally delicious poured over a juicy grilled steak.
Ingredients
250g silken tofu
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 spring onion, finely chopped
4 pieces fresh cloud ear fungus*
4 tbsp pickled mustard greens*
3 tbsp shaoxing wine
4 tbsp fresh chicken stock
2 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp palm sugar
1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced
60ml (¼ cup) chilli oil
pinch of roasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns
Method
1. Cut the tofu into quarters, then transfer them carefully to a plate. Put the plate into a steamer over rapidly boiling water for 6 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through.
2. While the tofu pieces are steaming, make the sauce. Heat the oil in a wok until just smoking, then add the garlic, ginger, shallot, fungus and mustard greens and stir-fry until fragrant. Pour in the shaoxing, stock, Chinkiang vinegar, oyster sauce and palm sugar. Boil until the sauce is smooth and shiny, about 3-5 minutes. At the last moment, add the cucumber slices.
3. Pour the hot sauce over the tofu, drizzle over the chilli oil and finish with a sprinkle of Sichuan pepper. Serve immediately.
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Neil Perry is a restaurateur, chef and former Good Weekend columnist.Connect via email.From our partners
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