Mung Bean Curd with Chili Oil Sauce (Liang Fen, 凉粉)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120 g) mung bean starch
• 3 cups water (, divided)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 cloves garlic (, sliced)
• 2 tablespoons homemade chili oil (, including the oil and the chili flakes, or to taste)
• homemade black bean sauce (*Footnote 1) ((Optional))
• Chopped cilantro and/or green onions (, for garnish)
• A handful of shredded cucumber ((Optional))

Steps

1. 1

   Add 2 1/2 cups of water to a medium-sized pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then turn the heat down to a simmer.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the mung bean starch and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until the starch is fully dissolved.

3. 3

   Prepare a rectangular or square baking dish that can hold at least 4 cups of water but is small enough, so the mixture is at least 1” (2.5 cm) thick. (*Footnote 2)

4. 4

   Slowly pour the mung bean mixture into the simmering water, while stirring gently with a ladle or a whisk. Continue to stir until the mixture in the pot starts to thicken and small bubbles start to form. It should start turning somewhat translucent. Simmer for another 6 to 8 minutes while stirring, until the mixture thickens further, like a thick sauce texture. Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

5. 5

   Let cool at room temperature until solidified. It takes about 2 hours if you use a shallower dish, but up to 3 or 4 hours if using a deeper dish. Once congealed, you can store the jelly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

6. 6

   Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, stir to mix well.

7. 7

   Place a large cutting board over the baking dish and flip it. Jiggle the dish slightly so the jelly falls onto the cutting board. Slice the jelly into 1/2” (1 cm) by 2 1/2” (5 cm) sticks, or any bite-size shapes you prefer.

8. 8

   Transfer the sliced mung bean curd into serving bowls, drizzle with a few spoonfuls of the sauce, and serve chilled or at room temperature.