Why it works: Mango and pepper match in chemistry and in kitchens. They rank in the top 6% of all ingredient pairs, and cooks put them together in 471 recipes. Both carry trans-2-nonenal, which smells cardboard, fatty. The science ↓
To Hu Ang Swai Chei
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare and grill
Rub soy sauce on both sides of tofu and sprinkle with black pepper.
Cook marinated tofu on a hot grill until both sides are golden brown.
Plate and serve
Place shredded mango on a plate, then place grilled tofu on top of the mango.
Pour vegetarian fish sauce on top.
Serve with rice.
Nutrition, whole recipe (rough)
What these numbers assume: 4 portions
| Ingredient | Portion assumed | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Mango | 1 cup diced (165g) | 99 |
| Tofu | 100g firm | 76 |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tbsp (15ml) | 9 |
| Black Pepper | 1 tsp ground (2.3g) | 6 |
One typical portion per ingredient; the recipe's quantities are not counted. A rough guide only, not for medical or dietary planning.
Steps grouped into stages for easier reading; the method is the source's own.
Explore the science
The flavor team
The pairs that carry this dish. Each one is judged two ways: how much their aromas overlap, and how often cooks already put them together.
-
Mango + peppertop 6% of all pairsSmell alikestrongCooked together471 recipes
Shared aroma: trans-2-nonenal (cardboard, fatty).
-
Tofu + mangotop 15% of all pairsSmell alikemoderateCooked together29 recipes
Shared aroma: ethyl isobutyrate (fruity, ethereal).
-
Mango + fish saucetop 16% of all pairsSmell alikelowCooked together24 recipes
Shared aroma: ethyl octanoate (fruity, wine).
-
Tofu + saucetop 16% of all pairsSmell alikemoderateCooked together262 recipes
Shared aroma: ethanol (alcoholic, ethereal).
-
Tofu + peppertop 17% of all pairsSmell alikemoderateCooked together392 recipes
Shared aroma: ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (fruity, apple).
Ranks compare each pair with 20,000 random ingredient pairs on CompKitchen. How we score pairs
What each ingredient does
- Firm tofu
- Provides the main protein and a firm texture that holds up on the grill.
- Green mango
- Adds tartness and crisp, fresh texture that contrasts with the browned tofu.
- Soy sauce
- Adds savory saltiness and helps the tofu brown on the grill.
- Vegetarian fish sauce
- Adds savory, salty depth to the finished dish.
The step that matters
Grilling the tofu until golden brown. The tofu must be dry enough and the grill hot enough for the surface to brown rather than steam. Browning through the Maillard reaction adds flavor and a firm crust, so turning too early or using a cool grill can leave it pale and soft.
Swap the mango
How well each one fits the dish's main ingredients (tofu, sauce, pepper, fish sauce):
- Limefits better
- Mangothe original
- Coconutfits about as well
- Avocadofits about as well
Fit is the average pairing score against tofu, sauce, pepper, fish sauce. Candidates are from the same food group and used in at least 100 recipes.
“What each ingredient does” and “The step that matters” were written by Claude from this recipe’s own method and reviewed in samples by CompKitchen.
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