16 Chinese Mabo Tofu Recipe Yan Can Cook Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Mabo tofu, a popular Chinese dish, has become a staple in many households around the world. This flavorful and hearty dish is a perfect combination of tender tofu and spicy sauce, creating a mouth-watering experience for your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the recipe for Chinese Mabo tofu by the renowned chef Yan Can Cook. With his expertise and passion for Chinese cuisine, Chef Yan has perfected this dish and now, we can all try our hands at making it at home.
If you're looking for a flavorful and unique way to prepare chicken, look no further than Chinese Mabo Tofu. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken with a spicy and savory sauce made from chili bean paste, soy sauce, and other traditional Chinese ingredients. It's a perfect dish to pair with rice or noodles, and can easily be customized to your preferred level of spiciness. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic Chinese dish.
Egg drop soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. This light and comforting soup is made by slowly pouring beaten eggs into a simmering broth, creating delicate and silky ribbons of egg. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that can be made with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick and easy meal. Add some chicken to the soup for added protein and flavor, and top it with some scallions for a pop of freshness.
3of 20
Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants all over the world. The tender and juicy pork is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. It's then roasted until it's sticky and caramelized, resulting in a dish that's bursting with flavor. Serve it with some rice and steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
Hot pot is a popular Chinese dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. It's a communal meal that involves cooking raw ingredients, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables, in a pot of simmering broth at the center of the table. It's a fun and interactive dining experience, and the best part is that everyone can customize their own hot pot with their favorite ingredients. Add some chicken to the pot for a protein-packed addition to this delicious meal.
5of 20
Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
Looking for a healthy and flavorful Chinese dish? Try this Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein that's gluten-free and vegan. This dish uses tofu as a protein source, along with an array of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. The noodles are tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and other Chinese seasonings, creating a dish that's both nutritious and delicious.
Chinese chicken salad is a refreshing and tasty dish that's perfect for summer. It's made with shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, and other veggies, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The addition of mandarin oranges and crispy wonton strips adds a burst of flavor and texture to this colorful and satisfying salad.
7of 20
Char Siu or Chinese BBQ Roast Pork
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ roast pork, is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed on its own, served with rice and vegetables, or used as a filling for bao buns or sandwiches. This dish is made by marinating pork in a sweet and savory sauce, and then roasting it until it's tender and caramelized. The result is a flavorful and succulent dish that's sure to be a hit at any meal.
8of 20
Mabo Tofu
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Shallot, Garlic, Ginger, Ground Pork, Hot
Mabo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish that originated in the Sichuan province. It's made with tofu, ground meat, and a spicy and flavorful sauce made from chili bean paste, soy sauce, and other Chinese seasonings. The dish gets its name from the Chinese character "ma," which means "numbing" or "tingling," referring to the numbing sensation that comes from the Sichuan peppercorns used in the sauce. Give this unique and delicious dish a try for a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
9of 20
Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
Congee, also known as Chinese rice porridge, is a popular breakfast dish in China. It's made by simmering rice in water or broth until it becomes a thick and creamy porridge. It can be served plain, or topped with a variety of savory ingredients, such as shredded chicken, vegetables, and fried wonton strips. It's a comforting and nourishing dish that's often enjoyed as a cure for colds or stomach ailments.
10of 20
Vegetarian Chinese Potsticker Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shredded
Potstickers, also known as jiaozi, are a popular Chinese appetizer that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. These vegetarian potstickers are made with a flavorful mixture of mushrooms, tofu, and veggies, making them a great option for those who don't eat meat. They're pan-fried until crispy and served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and other Chinese seasonings. Serve these at your next gathering and watch them disappear!
11of 20
Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
Char Siu Pork, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. It's made by marinating pork in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, and then roasting it until it's tender and caramelized. Use it as a filling for bao buns, add it to fried rice or noodles, or simply enjoy it on its own for a delicious and satisfying meal.
12of 20
Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
Lo Mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish that's often enjoyed as a comfort food. This vegetable and tofu lo mein is a healthier and vegetarian version of the classic dish. It's made with an array of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage, along with tofu for added protein. The noodles are tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and other Chinese seasonings, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Chinese dumplings, also known as potstickers, are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. They're made by filling dumpling wrappers with a flavorful mixture of meat, vegetables, and seasonings, and then pan-frying them until crispy. They're often served as an appetizer or side dish, and can be dipped into a variety of sauces for added flavor. Make these from scratch at home for a fun and delicious cooking experience.
14of 20
Chinese Mongolian Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cellophane Noodles, Bok Choy, Tofu, Chicken
Mongolian hot pot is a variation of the traditional Chinese hot pot that originated in Mongolia. It's made by simmering ingredients, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables, in a pot of simmering broth at the center of the table. What sets Mongolian hot pot apart is the addition of a spicy and flavorful sauce made from chili oil, garlic, and other seasonings. It's a perfect dish for cold winter nights or for sharing with friends and family.
This Chinese tofu salad is a fresh and light dish that's perfect for warmer weather. It's made with cubes of tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The addition of crispy wonton strips adds a nice crunch to the salad, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein, such as chicken or shrimp, for a complete meal.
Chinese parsley soup, also known as Chinese coriander soup, is a traditional dish that's often enjoyed during the Chinese New Year. It's made by simmering pork bones, vegetables, and Chinese parsley, also known as cilantro, for a flavorful and nourishing broth. This soup is said to bring good fortune and health to those who eat it, making it a must-try for the holiday season.
17of 20
Chinese Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Garlic, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Honey
Roast duck is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that's often served during special occasions. This dish is made by marinating a whole duck in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, and then roasting it until it's crispy and succulent. The result is a dish that's bursting with flavor and has a perfectly crispy skin. Serve it with some rice and steamed vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Nutritarian Chinese Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Celery, Green Onion, Shredded Carrots, Mushrooms
These Nutritarian Chinese lettuce wraps are a healthy and flavorful option for those looking to eat more plant-based meals. The filling is made with tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, and seasoned with Chinese five-spice powder and soy sauce. The mixture is then wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with a tangy and slightly spicy sauce made from chili paste, soy sauce, and other Chinese seasonings. These wraps are perfect for a light and nutritious lunch or dinner.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this vegetable version is a delicious and healthy option for those looking to cut back on meat. It's made with an assortment of colorful vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers, along with scrambled eggs for added protein. The rice is stir-fried with soy sauce and other Chinese seasonings, resulting in a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying.
20of 20
Southern Chinese Sour & Hot Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Lily Flowers, Stock
This Southern Chinese sour and hot soup, also known as Suan La Tang, is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for cold days. It's made with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, tofu, and vegetables, and simmered in a tangy and slightly spicy broth made from vinegar, chili paste, and other Chinese seasonings. This soup is said to have medicinal properties and is often enjoyed as a remedy for colds and other ailments.
The Origins of Mabo Tofu
The Influences of Szechuan Cuisine
Mabo tofu originated from the Szechuan province in China, known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish was created by a Chinese chef named Chen Kenmin in the 1950s, who combined his love for Szechuan cuisine and his Japanese mother's recipe for Mapo Dofu, a similar dish made with minced pork. Over the years, this dish has evolved, and now there are various versions of Mabo tofu, each with its unique spin on the traditional recipe.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Mabo tofu comes from the Chinese characters "mabo," meaning "pockmarked old lady," and "tofu," meaning "bean curd." The story behind this name is that an old lady with smallpox used to sell this dish in the streets of Chengdu, and it was so delicious that people would ignore her pockmarked face and line up to buy her tofu. Hence, this dish was named after her as a tribute to her resilience and delicious cooking.
The Recipe for Chinese Mabo Tofu by Yan Can Cook
Ingredients:
1 block of firm tofu, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
1 tablespoon chili bean paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1 scallion, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
In a wok, heat the oil over high heat and add in the Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add in the fermented black beans and chili bean paste, and continue stir-frying for another minute.
Next, add in the tofu cubes and gently stir to coat them with the sauce.
Pour in the soy sauce and chicken or vegetable broth, and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and slowly pour it into the wok while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot with rice.
Why Yan Can Cook's Recipe is the Best
Chef Yan's recipe for Mabo tofu stands out because of his use of fermented black beans and chili bean paste, which adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish. Additionally, his technique of gently stirring the tofu to ensure it stays intact, paired with the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors, makes this recipe a true winner.
In Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for Chinese Mabo tofu by Yan Can Cook, it's time to put on your apron and try it out for yourself. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for any day of the week. So go ahead and impress your family and friends with this authentic and mouth-watering dish.
.jpg)
