Steamed Tofu with Shrimp and Black Bean Sauce 

 

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup whole fermented black beans
2. 1 1/2 pounds firm tofu (two 1 1/2-inch-thick squares), each cut into 8 triangles
3. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4. 24 medium shrimp (10 ounces), shelled and deveined
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
6. 1/4 cup peeled and finely julienned fresh ginger
7. 2 garlic cloves, minced
8. 1/2 cup Chinese cooking wine
9. 1/2 cup vegetable stock
10. 1 teaspoon sugar
11. 12 cilantro sprigs  

 

1. In a bowl, cover the black beans with water and let soak for 10 minutes. Drain.
2. In a wok, bring 2 inches of water to a boil. Set a bamboo steamer in the wok. Spread the tofu pieces on a heatproof plate and set it in the steamer. Cover and steam the tofu over moderately high heat for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat until pink and curled, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the ginger and garlic and cook over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the black beans and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the wine, stock and sugar and simmer until slightly reduced, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the tofu and shrimp to plates. Top with the sauce and cilantro and serve.