Sambal Fried Beancurd with Sugar Snap Peas

Sambal fried beancurd (tau kwa) is a wonderful dish to go with steamed rice. Once in a while, I like to go meatless, and this recipe is excellent for that because the beancurd provides all the protein you need in place of meat. The spiciness of the sambal paste is a nice contrast to the sweet tasting peas. I love this combination of ingredients.

I used my home made sambal belachan (pictured above) as a base for this dish. It is such a handy condiment to keep in the fridge – not only can it be used as a condiment, it is great for stir-fries just like this dish.

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Sambal Fried Beancurd Recipe

Belacan is pungent smelling. Open your windows and remove all laundry (if you have them in the kitchen) when you’re making this dish.

Serves: 2-3

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tbsp sambal belacan (you can use ready made ones as well)
• 80g sugar snap peas gently break off the ends and pull off the “strings”
• 1 piece (200g) of fried bean curd (tau kwa/炸豆干) cubed
• 2 tbsp water
• salt to taste 

(A) Dried shrimps paste
(finely chop or pulse in electric grinder for a few seconds)

•  1 tbsp dried shrimps soaked in water until softened
• 5 shallots peeled
• 5 garlic cloves peeled

Directions:

1. In a wok, heat the oil. Add (A) and sambal belacan. Stir fry briefly until you can smell the aroma.
2. Add snap peas and stir fry for a minute or two. Then add beancurd and water. Stir fry for a few minutes and mix well, until the water has evaporated, and everything is nicely coated in the sambal sauce.
3. Season with salt if needed. I did not add salt because my home made sambal belachan is already nicely salted. Serve with steamed rice.

Ingredients Used: belacan • dried shrimp • fried bean curd • garlic • shallot • snap pea