Black Pepper Tofu With Bok Choy Food

SOY-BRAISED TOFU WITH BOK CHOY

Steps:

• Cut tofu across into ¾-inch-thick slices, then cut each slice in half so you have roughly 12 squares.
• Heat a large (12-inch), deep-sided nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet on medium-high. When hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the base. Place the tofu in a single layer, season each piece with a little salt and black pepper, and fry for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes more, adding more oil if needed. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
• Make the sauce: Combine the soy sauce, vegetarian stir-fry sauce or oyster sauce, cornstarch and sugar with ⅓ cup of water. Whisk until smooth.
• In the same skillet over medium heat, add the doubanjiang or chile oil (if you're using doubanjiang, add about 1 teaspoon of neutral oil) and stir for 15 seconds. Add the garlic, ginger and white parts of the scallion, and toss for 1 to 2 minutes, until the scallions are softened and everything is fragrant. If the pan starts to look dry, add a drop of oil.
• Add the bell pepper and Shaoxing wine, if using, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened. Pour in the seasoning sauce and let it sizzle for 30 seconds, stirring once or twice.
• Add the baby bok choy, tofu and green parts of the scallion, toss gently to coat the tofu. Let it simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens, the baby bok choy is wilted but still green and crisp-tender, and the tofu has absorbed some of the sauce. Serve with rice or noodles.

TOFU WITH BOK CHOY

Steps:

• Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves; set aside.
• Steam the bok choy; bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large straight-sided skillet or stockpot. Arrange bok choy in a single layer in a steamer, and place over simmering water. Cover, and steam until hot and tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Cook the tofu: Heat a large nonstick skillet or a wok over high heat. Add oil, and swirl just to coat bottom of pan. Pat tofu dry, and arrange in pan in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes. Turn, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes more.
• Transfer tofu to a serving platter. Pour sauce over tofu, and top with cilantro, scallions, and serrano pepper. Serve with steamed bok choy and rice on the side.

TOFU AND BOK CHOY WITH GINGER-TAHINI SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large skillet with a lid, arrange bok choy in an even layer to cover the bottom of the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the tofu pieces on top of or in between the bok choy, depending on the depth of your pan. Add ½ cup of water to the skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover securely to prevent steam from escaping, reduce heat to medium and steam until bok choy is tender and tofu is warm throughout, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine tahini, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, scallions, cilantro and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk until well blended, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Using a spatula or large slotted spoon, transfer bok choy and tofu to 4 serving plates. (Discard any remaining water in the skillet.) Spoon some of the sauce over the tofu and garnish with scallions, cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve warm.