Spicy Warm Silken Tofu with Celery and Cilantro Salad

Ingredients

• 1 stalk celery, cut into thin 2-inch matchsticks
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 3 whole scallions, sliced into thin slicers at an acute bias
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sichuan peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted whole cumin seed
• 1 tablespoon sesame paste, or peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 2 teaspoons fermented chili broad bean paste
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup Chinese roasted chili oil
• 1 medium clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 block soft silken tofu
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Place the celery, cilantro, and scallions in a medium bowl, then pour in ice-cold water to cover. Drop in 4 to 5 ice cubes and leave the vegetables to crisp.
2. Put the peppercorns and cumin in a mortar and pestle and crush them coarsely. Tip the spices into a medium bowl, then add the sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, chili bean paste, sugar, chili oil, and garlic. Whisk until the dressing comes together, then set it aside.
3. Scoop the tofu into a serving bowl and heat it in the microwave just until it is gently warm, about 1 minute. Spoon the dressing over the tofu. Drain the celery, cilantro, and scallions well, then pile them into the bowl. Finish with the sesame seeds and serve right away.