Spicy Hunan-Style Tofu with Chilies and Cumin

If you like it hot (―la‖), this fragrant and fabulous tofu dish is for you.

SERVES 4

1 pound extra-firm tofu, rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine, dry sherry, sake, or dry white wine

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

1⁄4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste

1 1⁄2 tablespoons peanut oil

1⁄2 tablespoon toasted (dark) sesame oil

2 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced

2 to 3 fresh red chili peppers, seeded and finely chopped

4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

1 1⁄2 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin

1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Place the tofu on a deep-sided plate or shallow bowl. Top with a second plate and weight with a heavy can. Let stand for a minimum of 15 minutes (preferably 1 hour). Drain excess water. Cut crosswise into 1⁄3-inch-thick slices.

In a shallow dish large enough to hold the tofu slices in a single layer, combine the wine, soy sauce, and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Add the tofu slices, turning to coat. Let stand at room temperature about 20 minutes, turning a few times. (Alternatively, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours, turning once or twice.)

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu, reserving marinade, and cook, turning often, until nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set briefly aside. Working quickly, add the sesame oil, white parts of the scallion, fresh chilies, garlic, ginger, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium, return the tofu, and add the reserved marinade; cook, turning often, 1 minute. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the scallion greens and cilantro, if desired. Serve at once.

{PER SERVING} Calories 177 • Protein 11g • Total Fat 13g • Sat Fat 2g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 8g • Dietary Fiber 2g • Sodium 447mg

hancheng

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