Recipe: Tofu and Chinese Broccoli (or broccolini) (serves 2-3)

TOFU AND CHINESE BROCCOLI

1 (14-ounce) container firm tofu
1 bunch Chinese broccoli or 1 1/2 bunches broccolini, about 14 ounces
FOR THE SAUCE:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 to 2 tablespoons black bean garlic sauce, such as Lee Kum Kee
1 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
FOR COOKING:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Hot cooked rice (for serving)

TO DRAIN THE TOFU:
Drain the tofu and slice into even 1/2-inch-thick slabs. Place the slices on a clean cutting board, then place the cutting board (with the slices still on it) inside a baking sheet (to catch water). Prop up the cutting board on an angle by placing a rolled towel on one end. Top with another cutting board or glass baking pan, then weight down with a kettle filled with water, or several cans. Leave to drain for at least 10 minutes.

TO PREPARE THE BROCCOLI:
Meanwhile, separate the Chinese broccoli into stems, trim the stems and peel if woody. Cut into thirds, the top third being the leafy greens. Separate the stems and leaves. (If using broccolini, trim and cut into thirds.) Set aside.

TO PREPARE THE SAUCE INGREDIENTS:
Combine the soy sauce, bean sauce, mirin and cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Set aside.

TO COOK:
When the tofu has drained, cut each slice into 4 cubes. Lightly dust the cubes in the flour, shaking off the excess.

Heat the oil over medium heat in a wok for 1-2 minutes or until small bubbles start to form, then add the tofu in batches until fried and lightly golden, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon or spatula onto a pan covered in paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.

Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the oil from the pan, then increase heat slightly and add the garlic and Chinese broccoli stalks (or all of the broccolini, if using). Stir-fry until just tender, 2-3 minutes. Add the leafy tops of the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry another 2 minutes.

Add the sauce to the broccoli in the pan, stir until it comes to a simmer and thickens slightly, then add the tofu. Gently toss or fold the tofu into the other ingredients until covered with sauce.

Serve immediately with rice.

Makes 2-3 servings
Source: Tara Duggan to the San Francisco Chronicle: The Working Cook, October 29, 2008