Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, April 26, 2024 78° Today's Paper


Hawaii News

A creative, crispy way to spice things up

1/1
Swipe or click to see more

PHOTO COURTESY NEW YORK TIMES

Chile crisp, a fiery dried chile condiment born in southwestern China, generally relies on garlic for crunch and on umami-rich ingredients for oomph.

It serves as the base of this dish’s marinade, which includes black vinegar, a little sesame oil, honey, minced garlic and ginger, as well as some scallions and cilantro. The spicy sauce soaks into the tofu and gets spooned all over the dish.

Tofu and green beans with chile crisp

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons chile crisp condiment, plus more for serving
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and sliced crosswise into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slabs
• 3/4 pound green beans
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
White rice, for serving
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Directions:

Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a baking dish, whisk together the chile crisp, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, scallions and cilantro.

Add the tofu slices to the dish, coat them with the sauce, then marinate to heat the oven and trim the green beans.

Add the green beans to a large sheet pan, then drizzle the neutral oil on top and toss to coat.

Slide the green beans to the sides of the pan; arrange the slices of tofu in an even layer in the center.

Pour remaining marinade over the tofu; place in oven.

Roast until the green beans start to blister, about 20-25 minutes.

Serve immediately with rice and extra chile crisp on the side.

Total time: 30 minutes, serves 4.

Tip:

The marinade can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.