-
1
PREPARATION.
-
2
In a cup add the salted black beans (rinse briefly in water to remove some of the salt) and then add 1-2 tablespoon dry sherry or substitutes. Then add grated ginger, chopped garlic and soak for 15 or more minutes, set aside.
-
3
In a bowl add the ground meat and 1 tablespoon soy sauce and mix, set aside.
-
4
In a cup add stock, Amoy Sichuan Spicy Noodle Sauce, chili paste with garlic, set aside.
-
5
In a cup add the 2 tablespoons tapioca starch and 4 tablespoons water, mix and set aside.
-
6
Cut up the FIRM tofu into bite size cubes, place in a pot of low boiling water, add 1 teaspoon salt and cook for 7 minutes, drain and set aside.
-
7
For the Chinese Chives, discard the buds/flowers (some like to use this), wash the Chives and then cut into small 1 inch pieces ( 3/4 cup), set aside, (or if using spring onions/scallions, wash and clean then cut into small pieces).
-
8
Place the cleaned shrimp in a boil, add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vinegar, toss and let sit for about 15 minutes, set aside.
-
9
COOKING DIRECTIONS.
-
10
In a wok (or Teflon pan) add the peanut oil and when hot add the salted black bean mixture, stir for 1 minute.
-
11
Add the ground pork (or other meat) and stir to break up the pieces for about 1 minute.
-
12
Next add the stock mixture, stir and bring to a boil.
-
13
Add the tofu, chives and gently toss (try not to break up the tofu), cover and let cook for 2 or more minutes, remove the cover and gently toss again, cover and let cook for 1 more minutes. (Further, if substituting spring scallions in place of chives, add at the same time the sesame oil is added).
-
14
Mix the tapioca starch and water, remove the cover and then add 1/2 of the mixture and at the same time stir gently until the sauce becomes thick (add more of the tapioca mixture as needed).
-
15
Add the shrimp (discard liquid), toss gently and cook until it has a pink coloring (do not over cook).
-
16
Add sesame oil, briefly toss gently... now you are almost finished.
-
17
In individual plates add some white rice and then the shrimp/black bean tofu sauce on the side or on top.
-
18
Enjoy.
-
19
NOTES:
-
20
This recipe is fairly mild in taste. However, you can add chili oil, chili peppers or other hot spices to taste.
-
21
The Amoy Sichuan Spicy Noodle Sauce (fermented salted soybean, chili, garlic) is a great ingredient for this spicy dish or use other types of bean sauces (like Japanese miso paste, Chinese brown bean sauce) found in Asian food stores.
-
22
Serve with white or other rice of your choice.
