Cold Tofu with Scallions (Xiao Cong Ban Dou Fu)

The story

The original no-cook meal. Chinese grandmothers make this in summer when it is too hot to cook; gym bros in China have independently discovered it too. Silken tofu with soy and raw scallion is greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients (4 + pantry staples)

• Silken or soft tofu — 1 block (14 oz / 400 g)
• Scallions — 2, finely sliced
• Soy sauce — 1.5 tbsp
• Toasted sesame oil — 1 tsp

Pantry staples used (don't count toward the 6): white pepper (optional). Not stocked yet? See the pantry page.

Steps

1. Drain the tofu, pat dry, place on a plate.
2. Top with scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, a few grinds of pepper.
3. Eat it like custard — spoon straight through.

Swaps

Firm tofu works if that is what you have; crumble it and dress like a salad. Add chili crisp and it becomes a different, also-excellent dish.