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1
Heat half of the oil in a wok and, when it is hot but not quite smoking, add half of the red and green peppers.
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2
Cook, stirring and pressing them against the side of the wok so that they blacken a bit without burning.
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3
Using a slotted spoon, remove them while they are still crisp and set aside.
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4
Leave the oil in the wok.
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5
To the wok add half of the pork and cook over high heat, stirring and chopping down to break up any lumps.
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6
Cook only until the pork loses its raw look.
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7
Add half of the bean sauce, half of the chili paste with garlic, half of the sugar and one tablespoon of the Sherry, blending thoroughly.
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8
Add one cup of the chicken broth and bring to the simmer.
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9
Blend half of the cornstarch with one tablespoon of Sherry and one and one-half tablespoons chicken broth.
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10
Stir this into the simmering meat sauce.
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11
When thickened, spoon and scrape the sauce into a large mixing bowl.
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12
Wipe out the wok.
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13
Repeat the procedure using the remaining oil, peppers, pork, bean sauce, chili paste with garlic, sugar, Sherry, chicken broth and cornstarch.
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14
Add the second batch of peppers to the first batch and let cool.
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15
Add the second batch of meat sauce to the first batch and let cool.
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16
Refrigerate overnight or until ready to use.
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17
Refrigerate the peppers separately.
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18
When ready to serve, return the meat sauce to room temperature.
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19
Return the sauce to large saucepans or casseroles and bring to the boil.
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20
Carefully add the bean-curd pieces to the meat sauce.
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21
Stir and heat gently so as not to break up the bean-curd pieces more than necessary.
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22
Add the cooked red and green pepper cubes.
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23
Heat briefly.
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24
Add the chopped scallions, ground peppercorns and sesame oil.
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25
Stir gently and serve.
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26
Serve with hot chili oil on the side, if desired, to be added by those who enjoy very spicy foods.