In today’s article, I’ll show you how to prepare mapo tofu or you can say that you will know the great recipe of how to make mapo tofu, today. This mapo tofu dish is the genuine deal—the fiery, tongue-numbing, rice-is-absolutely-not-optional, can’t-have-just-one-scoop mapo tofu you get in restaurants.
What Exactly Is Mapo Tofu?
Mapo Tofu is a traditional Chinese dish from Sichuan Province, where spicy cuisine reigns supreme and the region’s distinctive spice, Sichuan Peppercorn, lends dishes a distinct “numbing” effect. It’s almost as if the Sichuan peppercorns aren’t only there to offer aroma and taste, but also to numb your tongue so it can handle more heat!
The dish’s name approximately translates to “pockmarked grandma’s tofu.” Whatever its roots, mapo tofu has expanded beyond the borders of Sichuan Province. The meal has evolved on numerous forms as restaurants and takeaway shops have put their own touch on it, typically reducing the spice levels, adding other veggies, and completely altering the dish!
In this recipe, we’re aiming for traditional and genuine Sichuan mapo tofu. The spicy sauce wraps the silken tofu cubes, delectable pieces of ground pork, scallions, and Sichuan (or Szechuan) peppercorns.
Ingredients
To make the mapo tofu, the ingredients which are required to make this recipe are the following which are shown below:
- ½ cup olive oil (divided)
- 1-2 Thai bird chili peppers, fresh (thinly sliced)
- 6-8 dried red peppers (roughly chopped)
- 1/2- 1 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (powdered or finely ground, with 1/4 teaspoon reserved for decoration at the end; for a milder taste, use 1/2 or 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn)
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (finely minced)
- 3 tbsp minced garlic (finely minced)
- 8 oz. ground pork (225g)
- 1-2 teaspoons spicy bean sauce (amount depends on desired salt/spiciness)
- 2/3 cup chicken broth (low sodium) (or water)
- 1 pound tofu silken (450g, cut into 1 inch cubes)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- a quarter teaspoon sugar (optional)
- one scallion (finely chopped)
Instructions
To make the mapo tofu, these are some very important instructions that you have to follow while making it. So by following these ones you will be able to make the mapo tofu and the instructions are the following which are shown below:
- To begin, we toast the chilies. You may omit this step if you have homemade toasted chili oil. Warm up your wok or a small pot on low heat. Add ¼ cup of oil and the fresh and dried peppers. Stir regularly and cook until the peppers are aromatic, approximately 5 minutes, being careful not to burn them. Set aside after removing from the heat.
- In your wok, heat the remaining ¼ cup of oil over medium heat. Stir in the ginger. Add the garlic after 1 minute. Fry for 1 minute more, then increase the heat to high and add the ground pork. Break up the meat and fry it until it’s done. Stir in the ground Sichuan peppercorns for around 15-30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn, since it will become bitter if it does.
- Stir in the spicy bean sauce until completely combined. Stir in ⅔ cup chicken broth to the wok. Allow this to boil for about a minute. While that is going, prepare your tofu and mix ¼ cup of water with your cornstarch in a small basin until fully blended.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture to your sauce. Allow it to bubble until the sauce thickens. (If it becomes too thick, add a touch extra water or chicken stock.)
- Then add your previously prepared chili oil, peppers and everything! If you’re making your own chile oil, just use the standing oil since it’s probable that you’ve salted it and you want the oil, not the salt. Add the tofu and stir it into the sauce. Toss the tofu in the sauce carefully with a spatula. Allow about 3-5 minutes for everything to cook. Stir in the sesame oil, sugar (if using), and scallions until the scallions are barely wilted.
- If preferred, garnish with a final sprinkling of Sichuan peppercorn powder.
Conclusion (How To Make Mapo Tofu)
So, this is all about “How To Make Mapo Tofu” from our side. And we hope that you understand and like the Recipe. Please share your ideas and recommendations in the comments section below!
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