Mapo tofu recipe

Here’s a recipe for Mapo Tofu:

Ingredients:

• 1 block (about 14 oz) firm tofu, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 lb ground pork (optional)
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn powder (optional)
• Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground pork (if using) and cook until browned.
4. Stir in doubanjiang and fermented black beans (if using). Cook for another minute.
5. Add cubed tofu, soy sauce, and sugar. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break the tofu.
6. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes.
7. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, you can add more doubanjiang or Sichuan peppercorn powder.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your homemade Mapo Tofu!

FAQs

• What is mapo tofu sauce made of?

• Mapo Tofu sauce typically consists of a combination of doubanjiang (spicy bean paste), fermented black beans, soy sauce, sugar, and various aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and green onions. Additionally, Sichuan peppercorn powder is often added to impart a numbing sensation and enhance the dish’s complexity.

• What to serve with mapo tofu?

• Mapo Tofu is commonly served with steamed white rice to balance out its spiciness and soak up the flavorful sauce. However, you can also pair it with other side dishes such as steamed vegetables, stir-fried greens, or even noodles for a heartier meal.

• Is mapo tofu hard?

• Mapo Tofu is not inherently hard to make, but it does require a few specific ingredients like doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns, which may not be readily available in every kitchen. The cooking process itself involves stir-frying aromatics, simmering the sauce, and gently cooking the tofu, making it a relatively straightforward dish for those familiar with Chinese cooking techniques.

• What is the difference between mapo tofu and mala tofu?

• While both Mapo Tofu and Mala Tofu are spicy tofu dishes originating from Sichuan cuisine, they have distinct differences. Mapo Tofu is known for its signature spicy and numbing flavors derived from doubanjiang, fermented black beans, and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a rich and complex sauce. On the other hand, Mala Tofu (or Mala Doufu) focuses more on the “mala” (numbing and spicy) flavor profile, with its heat coming primarily from Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers. Mala Tofu often features a thinner sauce compared to Mapo Tofu and may include additional ingredients like vegetables, mushrooms, or meat cooked in a spicy broth