Zhan pian zi

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Whisk flour, egg, and salt, adding water slowly until the batter ribbons off the spoon.
  2. 2Rest the batter.
  3. 3Blanch the tougher vegetables including long beans and spinach stems.
  4. 4Slice the potato thin.
  5. 5Dry all vegetables completely so the batter adheres.
  6. 6Fry garlic and spring onion in a pan, add the tomatoes, and cook down.
  7. 7Season with soy sauce, vinegar, oyster sauce, and sugar until the sauce thickens.
  8. 8Pour the sauce into a bowl and top with minced garlic, sesame, and chilli flakes, then pour over smoking hot oil.
  9. 9Boil a pan of water, dip each vegetable in the batter, let the excess drip off, and drop into the water.
  10. 10Cook until the vegetables float.
  11. 11Dip into the prepared sauce and serve.

Ingredients

  • 250 g plain flour
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 g salt
  • 200-230 ml water
  • spinach leaves and stems
  • long beans
  • napa cabbage
  • potato, sliced thin
  • 400 g cherry tomatoes
  • 4 garlic clove
  • 2 spring onion
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp black vinegar
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp chilli flakes
  • 1 tbsp white sesame
  • 4 tbsp neutral oil

Tips

  • Use 1 tin of chopped tomatoes as an alternative to 400g cherry tomatoes.