Douhuafan (Sichuan Spicy Tofu Rice)

• total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

white rice, steamed

2 1/2 Tbsp Xianglajiang, Labeled as 香辣酱 or Soybean Paste

2 clove garlic, minced

1 green onion, chopped fine

1/2 Tbsp light soy sauce

1/8 tsp MSG, (optional)

sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish

1 package soft tofu

Directions

Open the tofu package and pour the liquid into a pot. Add an additional 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to the pot and bring to a bare boil. Cut the tofu into large rectangular pieces, about two bites per piece. Add the tofu to the pot and blanch for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tofu and some of the water to a bowl.

Combine the soybean paste, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, and MSG (if using) into a bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds, and any left over green onion.

To serve, dish up rice for each person into a bowl. Take some tofu, place it on top of the rice, and smother it in sauce.