Liangban Doufugan (Cold Tofu Salad)

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) silken tofu, drained and cubed 400g (14 oz) silken tofu, drained and cubed
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili oil 1 teaspoon chili oil
• 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon honey
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and honey to make the dressing.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed tofu, julienned cucumber, carrot, and red bell pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the tofu and vegetables, and gently toss to coat evenly.
4. 4.
   Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley.
5. 5.
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Silken tofu — Handle the tofu gently to prevent it from breaking apart. Drain it well before cubing to remove excess moisture.
• Cucumber — Use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to create thin, uniform strips.
• Carrot — Peel the carrot and then use a julienne peeler or a grater to create thin strips.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top of the salad before serving.
• Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your spice preference.
• If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can increase the amount of honey.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bean sprouts or radishes for additional texture and flavor.
• Make sure to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Serving advice

Liangban Doufugan is best served chilled as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs well with other Chinese dishes such as dumplings or stir-fried noodles. Serve it on a platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Liangban Doufugan, arrange the julienned vegetables and tofu in an attractive pattern on the serving dish. Drizzle some extra dressing on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs. The vibrant colors and contrasting textures will make the dish visually appealing.