Sichuan-Style Asparagus and Tofu Salad

Sichuan-Style Asparagus and Tofu Salad

Sauce Ingredients:

4 to 8 whole dried hot Chinese red peppers (or arbol chilies), stems removed

2 tsp. Sichuan peppercorn

1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

3 tbsp. Chinkiang vinegar (or a mixture of 2 tablespoons rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar)

2 tbsp of soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tbsp fresh minced garlic (about 3 medium cloves)

1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Salad Ingredients:

salt kosher

1 pound thin asparagus stalks, trimmed at the ends and cut into 2-inch pieces

10 oz. extra-firm tofu, plain, smoked, or five-spice, cut into 2-inch matchsticks

4 scallions, thinly sliced on a sharp bias

Directions

1. 

To make the sauce, place the chilies and Sichuan peppercorns on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 15 seconds, or until toasted and aromatic. Crush in a mortar and pestle or food processor until the texture is similar to store-bought crushed red pepper flakes. Place in a small saucepan.Spaghetti-and-easy-meatballs.

2.

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Pour hot oil over chili/peppercorn mixture right away (it should sizzle). Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a medium mixing bowl. Set aside the sesame seeds.

3.

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic until the sugar dissolves. Pour in the chili oil mixture. Keep it aside until you're ready to use it. (Sauce can be stored in an airtight container.)

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat for the salad. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and has a tender snap, about 1 minute. Drain in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold running water until completely cool. Shake to dry thoroughly on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel or a double layer of paper towels.

5.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the asparagus, tofu, and scallions. Toss vegetables in dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve right away. Have fun!

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Sichuan-Style Asparagus and Tofu Salad VIDEO