Description
A spicy and flavorful Mapo Tofu recipe that showcases the rich culinary tradition of China.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound ground pork (or beef, optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (if using) and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. If not using meat, skip to the next step.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the doubanjiang, soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully add the cubed tofu to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the tofu without breaking it. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions and ground Sichuan peppercorns (if using). Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms or tempeh.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg