15 Chinese Recipe For Mapo Tofu You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
The Chinese dish of Mapo Tofu is a delicious and flavorful dish that has gained popularity all around the world. This spicy and savory dish originated in the Sichuan province of China and has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Made with soft tofu, spicy chili bean paste, and minced pork, this dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the history of Mapo Tofu and provide you with an authentic and easy-to-follow recipe to make this dish in your own kitchen.
Warm and comforting, Chinese egg drop soup is a classic dish that can easily be made at home. This recipe calls for chicken broth, eggs, and cornstarch to create a flavorful and silky soup that will warm your soul. It's the perfect starter to any Chinese-inspired meal.
2of 20
Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, then you've probably come across char siu, also known as Chinese BBQ pork. This dish features pork tenderloin marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then roasted to perfection. Serve it over rice or in some steamed buns for a delicious and authentic Chinese meal.
Gather your friends and family for a fun and interactive meal with Chinese hot pot. This traditional dish involves a pot of flavorful broth, a variety of fresh meats and vegetables, and a communal cooking experience. It's a great way to bond over a meal and enjoy a variety of delicious flavors.
4of 20
Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
For those following a gluten-free or vegan diet, this Chinese tofu veggie chow mein recipe is a must-try. It's packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and gluten-free noodles for a satisfying and flavorful meal. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet.
If you're in the mood for a light and refreshing meal, look no further than Chinese chicken salad. This dish features crispy lettuce, thinly sliced chicken, crunchy wonton strips, and a tangy dressing for a salad that's bursting with flavor and texture.
6of 20
Char Siu or Chinese BBQ Roast Pork
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic
Another delicious way to enjoy char siu is by roasting it. This recipe calls for pork shoulder marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then roasted until tender and caramelized. Serve it as a main dish or in some stir-fried noodles for a satisfying meal.
7of 20
Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
Congee, also known as Chinese rice porridge, is a comforting and nourishing dish that's perfect for cold winter nights or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe calls for rice cooked in chicken broth and topped with your choice of savory or sweet toppings, such as shredded chicken or honey and nuts.
8of 20
Vegetarian Chinese Potsticker Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shredded
For a tasty and vegetarian-friendly appetizer, try these Chinese potstickers filled with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. They're pan-fried to crispy perfection and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. They're sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
9of 20
Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
This char siu pork recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional Chinese BBQ pork. It calls for pork loin marinated in a combination of hoisin sauce, honey, and spices and then grilled or roasted to create a tender and caramelized meat that's perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or simply on its own.
10of 20
Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
If you're a fan of lo mein, try this vegetable and tofu version for a healthier and vegetarian-friendly twist. It features fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and chewy noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
This Chinese tofu salad is a refreshing and light meal that's perfect for warmer weather. It calls for tofu, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a light and tangy dressing. It's a great way to add some plant-based protein to your diet.
For a unique and flavorful soup, try this Chinese parsley soup. It's made with parsley, ginger, and chicken broth for a refreshing and nourishing dish. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a starter to a larger meal.
13of 20
Chinese Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Garlic, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Honey
Roast duck is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. This recipe calls for marinating the duck in a flavorful sauce and then roasting it until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Serve it with some steamed rice and hoisin sauce for a tasty and authentic meal.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this vegetable version is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. It features rice, mixed vegetables, and scrambled eggs sautéed in a garlic and soy sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for using up any leftover rice or vegetables.
Potstickers, also known as Chinese dumplings, are a classic dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. This recipe calls for a homemade dough filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables and then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve them with a soy dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
16of 20
Chinese Mongolian Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cellophane Noodles, Bok Choy, Tofu, Chicken
Mongolian hot pot is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that involves cooking a variety of raw meats and vegetables in a flavorful broth at the table. It's a fun and interactive meal that's perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
17of 20
Nutritarian Chinese Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Celery, Green Onion, Shredded Carrots, Mushrooms
For a healthy and flavorful meal, try these Chinese lettuce wraps filled with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. They're packed with nutrients and flavor and are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. Serve them with a spicy peanut sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Sweet and Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (aka Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
Another tasty way to enjoy Chinese BBQ pork is by making it sweet and sticky. This recipe calls for pork tenderloin marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then glazed with a honey and soy sauce mixture. It's a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
19of 20
Chinese Tomato Tofu Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Medium Tomatoes, Tofu, Cooking Oil, Salt, Sugar
This tomato and tofu stir fry is a quick and easy meal that's bursting with flavor. It features fresh tomatoes, tofu, and bell peppers sautéed in a garlic and ginger sauce and served over steamed rice. It's a great way to add some plant-based protein to your diet.
20of 20
Chinese Pizza with Ginger Garlic Tofu
Main Ingredients: Hoisin Sauce, Red Pepper, Green Onion, Chopped
For a fun and creative twist on pizza, try this Chinese pizza topped with ginger garlic tofu, vegetables, and cheese. It's a great way to use up any leftover ingredients and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it with some chili sauce for an extra kick.
The History of Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu, also known as "Mapo Doufu," was created in the 19th century by a woman named Chen Mapo. She was a restaurateur who specialized in creating spicy and flavorful dishes. Legend has it that Chen Mapo had pockmarks on her face and was nicknamed "Mapo," which means "pockmarked woman" in Chinese. Her signature dish, Mapo Tofu, was named after her and has since become a popular dish in Chinese cuisine.
The Ingredients
The key to making an authentic Mapo Tofu is to use the right ingredients. The main ingredient, of course, is tofu. Soft or silken tofu is traditionally used in this dish, as it has a delicate texture that pairs well with the spicy sauce. Additionally, spicy chili bean paste is a crucial ingredient that gives Mapo Tofu its signature heat and flavor. Other essential ingredients include minced pork, garlic, ginger, green onions, and Sichuan peppercorns.
The Recipe
Making Mapo Tofu at home is relatively easy, and the result is a dish that is bursting with flavor. To start, you will need to fry the minced pork in a wok until it is browned. Then, add in the garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste and stir-fry for a few minutes. Next, add in the tofu and gently stir to coat it with the sauce. Finally, add in the green onions and Sichuan peppercorns and let the dish simmer for a few minutes.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add in some fermented black beans or black vinegar to the dish.
Experience the Flavors of Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a dish that is not only delicious but also full of history and culture. The combination of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors makes it a popular dish among many. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can now recreate this authentic Chinese dish in the comfort of your own home. So go ahead and experience the unique and delectable flavors of Mapo Tofu today!
