Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes
Mapo Tofu with Minced Meat
Mapo Tofu is a beloved dish from Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. This dish features silky tofu cubes simmered in a rich, spicy sauce made from minced meat, aromatic garlic, and ginger, complemented by the unique numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. Perfectly served over steamed rice, this dish is a comforting yet adventurous meal that captures the essence of Chinese home cooking. The origins of Mapo Tofu date back to the late 19th century, where it was created by a woman with a pockmarked face, hence the name 'Mapo', which means 'pockmarked old woman' in Mandarin.
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
- Start by preparing the tofu: Cut it into small cubes and set aside.
- In a wok or large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add in the minced meat and cook until it's thoroughly browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the chili bean paste and continue to stir-fry for another minute to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the soy sauce and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring well to combine everything.
- 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.
- Stir in the dissolved cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil for added depth of flavor.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute minced meat with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili bean paste used.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of fermented black beans when stir-frying the meat.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Calories: 320 Fat: 20g Carbs: 12g Protein: 24g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 2g
Finding side dishes...
Selecting wines...
Reviews
Share Your Experience
Your Review
Want to share your experience with this recipe?
Sign in to Leave a ReviewCommunity Reviews
Loading community reviews...