Dish of Napa Cabbage with Pressed Tofu
(click to enlarge)

Napa Cabbage with Pressed Tofu


China - Northeast   -   Liangban Dougan Baicaixin
Serves:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 4 salad
**
1 to 5 hrs
Best		 An excellent Summer salad, distinctly Chinese, but more like a Western salad than most from China. It violates the rule that the Chinese never eat raw greens, but China is vast and very diverse.

14
1
-------
3-1/3
1
2
3
1/2
1-1/2
-------
1/4
1
--------
oz
t
---
oz

T
T
t
T
---
c

---
Napa Cabbage (1)  
Sea Salt
-- Dressing
Pressed Tofu (2)
Chili Serrano (3)
Sesame Seeds (4)
Sesame Oil, dark
Sugar
Rice Vinegar
-- Finish
Cilantro
Scallion
-------------
Make   -   (1 to 5 hrs - 15 min work)
  1. Slice CABBAGE LEAVES into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 1 to 1-1/2 inches long. In a bowl, tumble with salt. Let sit for about 30 minutes, tumbling now and then. Put them in a strainer to drain well. Do not rinse.
  2. Cut blocks of PRESSED TOFU into 3 thin slices, cut slices in half, then slice the halves crosswise into thin matchsticks.
  3. Chop Chili Serrano very fine.
  4. Mix all Dressing items and tumble with Cabbage. If at all possible, leave this in the fridge for about 4 hours for flavors to blend.
  5. When ready to serve, chop Cilantro small and slice Scallion very thin. Mix. Tumble with Salad.
NOTES:

  1. Napa Cabbage

      Weight is for leaves only, core removed. For details see our Napa Cabbage page.

  2. Pressed Tofu

      [Stew Bean Curd]   This is found in Asian markets, on the lightly refrigerated shelves. It is commonly in blocks about 2-3/8 inches square and 5/8 inch thick, 1.7 ounces each. The weight given here is for two blocks of this size. You can use the unbaked or baked (dark) versions as you prefer. For details see our Tofu / Bean Curd page.

  3. Chili Serrano:

      One will provide very light to moderate bite by Southern California standards. Serranos vary widely in hotness, so use your own best judgement here.

  4. Sesame Seeds, Toasted:

      These are an essential item for Chinese, Japanese and Korean cooking, so should always be on hand for these cuisines. They are available already toasted in Asian markets, but are better and more reliable freshly made at home. See our easy recipe Toasted Sesame Seeds. Sealed in an air tight jar, away from heat and sunlight, they will last for several months.
  5. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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