Garlicky glazed tofu cubes are nestled in a verdant sea of finely chopped kale dressed in a rich brown Chinese vinaigrette. Pops of star anise, coriander seeds, and red goji berries are peppered throughout, creating a visually striking contrast. The dish is garnished with thin rings of scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a touch of elegance.

Szechuan Kale Salad with Crispy Tofu

Name: Szechuan Kale Salad with Crispy Tofu
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: large bunch of kale, 1 stems removed and leaves finely chopped; block firm tofu, 1 pressed and cut into 1 inch cubes; Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tablespoon crushed; star anise, 2 crushed; coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon None; goji berries, 1/3 cup plumped in warm water and drained; garlic cloves, 3 minced; sesame oil, 3 tablespoons None; Chinese black vinegar, 3 tablespoons None; soy sauce, 2 tablespoons None; bunch scallions, 1 thinly sliced; white sesame seeds, a pinch None; salt, 1 teaspoon None; black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon None

Category Salad

Prep 30 minutes

Cook 15 minutes

Style Chinese

Technique Frying

Diet Friendly Vegan

Daily Recipe: April 03, 2025

This unique Chinese-inspired salad pairs the hearty goodness of kale with the intense flavors of star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. Finished with a beautifully polished sesame oil dressing and crunchy seared tofu, it's a diverse plate bursting with both flavor and health benefits. It nods to the earthy tones of spring and will also be a tribute to the cloud-kissed sky of this April.

Ingredients (for 4)

Large bunch of kale - 1 - stems removed and leaves finely chopped
Block firm tofu - 1 - pressed and cut into 1 inch cubes
Szechuan peppercorns - 1 tablespoon - crushed
Star anise - 2 - crushed
Coriander seeds - 1 tablespoon
Goji berries - 1/3 cup - plumped in warm water and drained
Garlic cloves - 3 - minced
Sesame oil - 3 tablespoons
Chinese black vinegar - 3 tablespoons
Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
Bunch scallions - 1 - thinly sliced
White sesame seeds - a pinch
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍳🧄🥢

Fry the tofu cubes in sesame oil until golden brown. Add garlic towards the end of cooking then set aside
Step 2 - 🍳🌶️💥

Toast the Szechuan peppercorns, coriander seeds, and star anise to bring out the flavors, then grind into a rough powder
Step 3 - 🥣🥬🧂

Whisk sesame oil, black vinegar, soy sauce, remaining garlic, and mixed spices together to create the dressing
Step 4 - 🥗🍲🥦

Add chopped kale to the bowl, massage the dressing onto the leaves, then toss in tofu and goji berries
Step 5 - 🍽️🥗✨

Separate the salad into four portions and garnish each with sliced scallions and sesame seeds

Additional

This salad can be served either warm or chilled. Feel free to swap kale with other seasonal hearty greens like collard greens or Swiss chard. Kids can be involved in washing the vegetables and plumping the goji berries. The crunchy tofu cubes might become their new favorite! Plus, it’s a vegan delight, so everyone can dig in.