Chinese toon bean recipe

How to Make Fragrant Tope Bean Salad (Xiang Dou)

Fragrant tope bean salad, or *Xiang Dou*, is a beloved Chinese appetizer that combines tender edamame with the aromatic flavor of tope (toon) buds. This dish is simple to prepare yet bursting with umami, making it a favorite for spring gatherings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it at home.

### Ingredients

- 200g fresh or frozen edamame, shelled

- 50g fresh tope buds, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp sesame oil

- 1 tsp sugar

- Pinch of salt

- Optional: 1 tsp chili oil for heat

### Instructions

1. Prepare the Edamame: If using frozen edamame, boil in salted water for 3–4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp of neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and tope buds, stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant—do not overcook, or the tope will lose its fresh flavor.

3. Combine: Add the boiled edamame to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. Toss everything gently to coat the beans evenly.

4. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with chili oil if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

### Tips

- For a richer taste, blanch edamame with a bay leaf.

- Fresh tope buds are best in spring; dried tope can be used as a substitute (soak first).

- Adjust seasonings to your preference—some add a dash of vinegar for brightness.

This quick, flavorful dish highlights the unique synergy of edamame’s creaminess and tope’s earthy aroma, perfect as a side or snack!