Tofu With Sizzling Scallion Oil Food

TOFU AND RICE WITH SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Cut the tofu block crosswise into 6 equal segments, then cut the segments into 3 equal pieces to make 18 pieces. Press the tofu pieces between paper towels to dry them. Set aside.
• Add the scallions, fish sauce and sugar to a medium heatproof bowl and place the bowl next to the stove. Place a wire rack in a baking pan or sheet and place next to the stove as well.
• Add 2 1/2 inches of oil to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or high-walled cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 190 degrees F (see Cook's Note), ladle out 1/2 cup of oil and slowly pour over the scallion mixture; it should sizzle. Set aside the scallion oil while you fry the tofu.
• Heat the remaining oil in the saucepan to 375 degrees F. Add the tofu and fry until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the tofu to the wire rack-lined baking pan to drain.
• Divide the tofu among 2 to 3 bowls of rice. Stir the scallion oil to incorporate the oil with the scallions, then ladle generous spoonfuls over the tofu.

SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Wash and trim scallions. Bring large pot of water to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water nearby. When water boils, add salt, when it comes back to the boil, drop in half of the scallions and blanch for 10 seconds. Remove scallions from water with tongs and drop in ice bath. Plunge remaining scallions for 10 seconds and drop into ice water. When scallions are thoroughly chilled, drain them and squeeze dry. Roughly chop the blanched scallions. Place scallions in blender. Add 1/4 cup oil. Puree scallions, stopping frequently to scrape down sides of blender, until coarsely pureed. Add rest of oil and whirl until well blended. Pour mixture through a coarse sieve into a bowl, then pass again through a fine sieve. Use as garnish. Will hold 2 to 3 days.
• Make sure to choose very fresh, very green scallions for the best flavor and color.

TOFU WITH SIZZLING SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Remove the tofu from its package; drain the tofu then pat it dry. Scoop spoonfuls of the tofu onto a large platter and arrange in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a small saucepan, combine neutral oil, sesame oil, scallions, garlic and ginger. Cook over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until oil is sizzling and garlic, ginger and scallions are softened but not browned, about 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cilantro and vinegar.
• Spoon hot scallion mixture over the tofu. Top with arugula and drizzle with the cilantro sauce. Serve warm or at room temperature.

TOFU AND SCALLIONS

Steps:

• First cover the mushrooms in roughly four cups of boiling water and soak while you're preparing the rest of the ingredients.
• Mince the ginger, slice the tofu into 1 inch cubes, julienne the scallions. Mix the thickener (arrowroot, water, oyster sauce and sesame oil) in a small bowl.
• Heat a nonstick frying pan or wok on the stove. When it's hot add the oil and then the ginger. When the ginger starts to turn golden then add the tofu and shitake mushrooms. Almost immediately add about a cup of the mushroom soaking liquid and soy sauce.
• Cook for 5 minutes turning once (be careful not to break up the tofu cubes). Toss the scallions on top, stir in the thickener and cook until the arrowroot turns clear. Serve with steamed rice.