Sichuan Celery And Tofu Salad Food

SICHUAN TOFU GAN AND WARM CELERY SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the chili oil, chili bean paste and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
• Heat a wok over high heat until smoking and pour in the vegetable oil. Add the peppercorns and garlic and toss briefly, and then add the celery and stir-fry until softened, 1 minute. Stir in the tofu and carefully toss until heated through, about 1 minute. Pour in the chili oil sauce and toss well until warm throughout.
• Stir in the soy sauce and season with sea salt, black pepper and the lemon juice, adding more to taste.
• Transfer to a platter and sprinkle the cilantro and peanuts over the top. Drizzle more chili oil over the salad and serve immediately.

SICHUAN CELERY AND TOFU SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; when it simmers, add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes. Remove from heat and let sit until cool, at least 1 hour and preferably 2 or 3. Strain oil into a bowl or jar and discard spices.
• Put a pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add celery and blanch for about a minute; drain in colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Layer celery and tofu on serving plates, drizzle with chili oil and sprinkle with salt.