Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz)
- 1 cup of suan cai (Chinese pickled cabbage)
- 1/4 cup of sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain the tofu and cut it into small cubes.
2. Rinse the suan cai under running water to remove excess salt. Squeeze out any excess water and chop it into small pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine the tofu, suan cai, green onions, and cilantro.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: None
5. Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with silken tofu or tempeh.
- Suan cai can be substituted with kimchi or sauerkraut.
- Green onions can be substituted with chives or shallots.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or basil.
- Sesame seeds can be substituted with chopped peanuts or cashews.
Variations:
- Add sliced cucumbers or carrots for extra crunch.
- Add cooked noodles or rice for a heartier meal.
- Add sliced chili peppers for extra heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a non-stick pan to fry the tofu for extra crispiness.
- Make sure to rinse the suan cai well to remove excess salt.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served at room temperature, but you can microwave it for 30 seconds to warm it up.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra cilantro or sesame seeds.
Garnishes:
- Extra cilantro or sesame seeds.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables or a simple soup.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too salty, rinse the suan cai more thoroughly next time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and wash your hands before preparing the salad.
Food history:
- Suan cai is a traditional Chinese pickled cabbage that has been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
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Region: Chinese