Spicy Warm Silken Tofu With Celery and Cilantro Salad Recipe

Soups, Stews and Stocks

Ingredients
    • 1 stalk celery, cut into thin 2-inch matchsticks

    • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

    • 3 whole scallions, sliced into thin slicers at an acute bias

    • 1/2 teaspoon toasted Sichuan peppercorns

    • 1/2 teaspoon toasted whole cumin seed

    • 1 tablespoon sesame paste (such as tahini), or peanut butter

    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

    • 2 teaspoons Chinkiang vinegar (see note)

    • 2 teaspoons fermented chili broad bean paste (see note)

    • 2 teaspoons sugar

    • 1/4 cup Chinese roasted chili oil (see note)

    • 1 medium clove garlic, finely minced (about 1 teaspoon)

    • 1 (19-ounce) block soft silken tofu

    • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
    1. Combine celery, cilantro, and scallions in a medium bowl and cover with ice cold water. Add 4 to 5 ice cubes and set aside.

       
    2. Combine peppercorns and cumin in a mortar and pestle and roughly grind. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, chili bean paste, sugar, chili oil, and garlic. Whisk to combine and set aside.

       
    3. Spoon tofu into a serving bowl and microwave until barely warmed through, about 1 minute. Cover with dressing. Drain celery, cilantro, and scallions carefully and add to bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.