Ingredients

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar

2 tablespoons peeled, finely chopped ginger

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1 pound baby bok choy, halved lengthwise

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound extra-firm tofu, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Coarsely chopped cilantro, for serving

Scallions thinly sliced, for serving

1 serrano pepper, thinly sliced crosswise, for serving

Steamed white rice, for serving

Preparation

Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves; set aside.

Steam the bok choy; bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large straight-sided skillet or stockpot. Arrange bok choy in a single layer in a steamer, and place over simmering water. Cover, and steam until hot and tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 4 to 5 minutes.

Cook the tofu: Heat a large nonstick skillet or a wok over high heat. Add oil, and swirl just to coat bottom of pan. Pat tofu dry, and arrange in pan in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes. Turn, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes more.

Transfer tofu to a serving platter. Pour sauce over tofu, and top with cilantro, scallions, and serrano pepper. Serve with steamed bok choy and rice on the side.