Classic Mapo Tofu Done In 5 Easy Steps
Mapo tofu is renowned for its saucy texture, spicy kick, rich umami flavor, and distinctive mouth-numbing sensation, making it a truly unforgettable dish. Each bite is silky, soft tofu with bits of juicy meat or plant-based protein if you like. Serve it for lunch or dinner with plain white rice to fully experience the diverse flavor combinations and aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 block of tofu 300-400g
- 1 tsp salt for blanching the tofu
- 1 pot of water
- 200 g of minced meat
- 10 g of chopped green onion
- 10 g of minced garlic
- 10 g of chopped red chili peppers
- 1 tbsp of doubanjiang
- 2 tbsp of Shaoxing rice wine
- 500 ml of water
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of chicken bouillon powder optional
- 1/2 tsp of ground Sichuan pepper
- 2 tbsp of cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Drain excess water from the tofu and cut the tofu into cubes.
- Blanch the tofu cubes in salted water to bring out a better taste and texture. After 2 minutes, take out the tofu cubes carefully with a strainer and drain off the excess water.
- Then, heat oil in a pan and sauté minced meat until lightly brown. Add chopped green onions, minced garlic, chopped chili peppers, and doubanjiang. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated into the meat. The meat should turn reddish, taking the color of doubanjiang.
- Pour Shaoxing rice wine and water, then season with salt, chicken bouillon powder (if using), and ground Sichuan pepper. Carefully add the tofu cubes and let them simmer for 5 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry for a smooth, creamy consistency. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens. Make sure to do a gentle stir to prevent breaking the tofu cubes since these are delicate.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 9gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 1408mgPotassium: 173mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 52IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
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