When I crave Chinese food, this is the flavor I want, spicy, sour, sweet and savory. I believe that\’s why this dish is so popular, as it gives you most of the essential tastes combined into one dish.
This dish combines the smoky flavor of dark soy sauce, the freshness of green onion and the crunch of peanuts. I have made this dish many times, but as I often do, I have kept modifying it, and I really do feel I have developed a stunning recipe.
Ingredients
1 8oz package of super firm Tofu cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 Tbsp of Hot Bean Paste
1 Tbsp of Hot Bean Paste
After cutting the tofu, mix in the hot bean paste and set aside.
Sauce Mixture:
1 Tbsp of Shaohsing Rice Wine, dry Sherry is a suitable substitute.
1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp of Dark Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp of Toasted Sesame Oil
1 Tbsp of Light Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp of Water
1 Tbsp of Cornstarch
Prepare the sauce mixture just before beginning to cook and set it aside.
4 cloves of Garlic, roughly chopped
6-8 dried whole Red Chilies
1 inch piece of fresh Ginger Root, peeled and minced
6-8 dried whole Red Chilies
1 inch piece of fresh Ginger Root, peeled and minced
1 medium Red Pepper, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1 small bunch of Green Onions, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
½ cup of Peanuts, unsalted
3-4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
Begin by preheating the wok or pan to a high heat, then add the oil. When very hot, carefully add the garlic, ginger and dried red chillies, and quickly sauté, but do not brown. Add the red pepper and green onion and cook until the mixture is almost done.
Add the tofu and just sauté until warmed through, maybe 1-2 minutes, then add sauce mixture and cook until thickened. At the very end, stir in the peanuts and serve immediately with Chinese rice or brown rice.
The Louisville Chef 