• Cook fresh or dried tofu strips according to package instructions.
  • Fresh Tofu Strips (鮮豆腐絲, Xiān dòufu sī): Boil fresh tofu strips for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Dried Tofu Strips (幹豆腐絲, Gàn dòufu sī): Resuscitate dried tofu strips in cold water until they soften. Soak for at least 6 hours. This prepares the tofu product to absorb all the flavour in the seasoning sauce. Once softened, boil the tofu strips for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Five Spiced Tofu Blocks (五香豆腐干, Wǔxiāng dòufu gān): If using plain blocks of flavoured five-spice tofu, simply julienned into thin strips. This julienne peeler works like magic! It slices and peels the tofu and vegetables with ease! Boil the tofu strips for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Toss gently with sesame oil to prevent the tofu strips from drying out quickly or sticking together. Chill in the fridge in an airtight container and reserve for later.

Mala Chili Sauce Instructions

• Next, it's time to prepare the Mala Chili Sauce.
• In a dry pot over low heat, lightly toast the Sichuan peppercorns.
• Once fragrant, add vegetable or avocado oil to the pan to infuse the toasted spices. Simmer until the oil is hot, usually 2-3 minutes.
• Sticking one end of a wooden chopstick into the oil is the easiest and safest way to test whether the oil is hot. If tiny bubbles form around the wooden tip, the oil is ready.
• Pour the Sichuan peppercorns-infused oil into a heat-safe glass bowl.
• Add Sichuan Chili Oil, sesame oil, brown sugar and kosher salt to taste. Add as much red chilli oil as necessary to achieve the desired spice level.
• Add Chinese black vinegar and mix well. This secret ingredient is excellent for brightening flavours.

Tofu Noodle Salad Assembly

• Add cooked bean curd noodles and mala spicy sauce in a large mixing bowl. The dressing should coat the tofu just enough.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or finely chopped spring onion. Sprinkle some sesame seeds if desired.

Optional Ingredients

• Bulking up this tofu noodle salad with vegetables such as julienned cucumbers, carrots, or fresh bean sprouts is easy. Add them into the mix and give the Chinese salad a quick toss.
• Serve and enjoy chilled!