• 6 large cooked king prawns (shrimp), peeled
• 1 block firm tofu, cut into 6 pieces and deep-fri

To make the spice paste, pound the chillies, shallots, lemongrass and shrimp paste in a mortar with a pestle until fine. Heat the oil in a heavy-based pot and gently stir-fry the paste for 3–4 minutes. Add the soy beans and cook for 1 minute, stirring all the time. Sprinkle in the salt and sugar and stir-fry for another minute. Remove and reserve half of the paste, and leave th