Cold Houttuynia with Fermented Bean Curd

Name: Cold Houttuynia with Fermented Bean Curd
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 200g houttuynia (fish mint) roots; 2 cubes fermented bean curd (腐乳); 2, minced garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon (optional) chili oil; for garnish sesame seeds

A refreshing Sichuan-style cold appetizer featuring tender houttuynia (also known as fish mint) dressed in a creamy fermented bean curd sauce. The blanching tames the strong raw flavor while keeping a pleasant crunch.

27 min

Easy

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Cold Houttuynia with Fermented Bean Curd

Story

This traditional cold dish showcases houttuynia, an herbaceous plant beloved in Sichuan and Yunnan cuisine. The fermented bean curd adds depth and a subtle tang that complements the herb's unique character.

Ingredients

houttuynia (fish mint) roots 200g

fermented bean curd (腐乳) 2 cubes

garlic cloves 2, minced

light soy sauce 1 tablespoon

sesame oil 1 teaspoon

rice vinegar 1 teaspoon

chili oil 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Soak and clean the houttuynia

Place the houttuynia roots in a bowl of clean water and soak for about 20 minutes to loosen any dirt. Drain and rinse thoroughly.

Prep the vegetables

Trim off any tough black rootlets and discard the very woody ends. Tear the stalks into 2-inch sections by hand—this uneven texture helps the sauce cling better than cutting.

Blanch briefly

Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the houttuynia and blanch for exactly 60 seconds—you want it just tender but still with a slight snap. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking, then pat completely dry.

Make the dressing

In a mixing bowl, mash the fermented bean curd with a fork until smooth. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chili oil if using. Stir until well combined.

Toss and serve

Add the dried houttuynia to the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.