Mapo Tofu with Minced Meat

Ingredients

Tofu

14 ounces, firm, cut into small cubes

Minced meat

8 ounces (pork or beef)

Cooking oil

2 tablespoons

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon, for drizzling

Salt

to taste

Green onions

2, finely chopped for garnish

Cornstarch

1 tablespoon, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water

Chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup

Soy sauce

2 tablespoons

Chili bean paste

2 tablespoons

Sichuan peppercorns

1 teaspoon, crushed

Ginger

1 tablespoon, minced

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the tofu: Cut it into small cubes and set aside.
2. In a wok or large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add in the minced meat and cook until it's thoroughly browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
5. Stir in the chili bean paste and continue to stir-fry for another minute to enhance the flavor.
6. Pour in the soy sauce and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring well to combine everything.
7. Gently add the tofu cubes to the pan, being careful not to break them. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the tofu absorb the flavors.
8. Stir in the dissolved cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
9. Season with salt to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
10. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil for added depth of flavor.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
12. Serve hot with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.