Spicy Braised Tofu

This is an incredibly mouth-watering Chinese dish. Blanched tofu is simmered in a spicy sauce with garlic shoots, then sprinkled with ground Sichuan peppercorns.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 21 mins
• Total Time: 36 mins
• Calories: 500 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 cup water, or as needed
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• 1 (3/4 inch thick) slice fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package firm tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons chili bean paste (toban djan)
• 1 bunch garlic scapes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add tofu; boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the chili bean paste until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ginger and chile powder; cook and stir until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3

Stir tofu into the skillet; pour in enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Stir in garlic scapes, soy sauce, and salt. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors combine, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Mix 1 teaspoon water and cornstarch together in a small bowl until cornstarch is dissolved. Pour into the skillet and stir gently until sauce thickens, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle ground Sichuan peppercorns on top.