15 Mapo Tofu Recipe Chinese Try These Culinary Delights!

Published on: Mar 22, 2024

Mapo tofu is a traditional Chinese dish that has been loved by people all over the world for its unique blend of flavors and textures. This spicy and savory dish is a staple in Sichuan cuisine and has a long history dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Chinese cuisine and can easily be made at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious mapo tofu dish.

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Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu

• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon fermented black beans

• 2 tablespoons chili bean paste

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice wine

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• Spring onions, chopped for garnish

Mapo tofu is a dish that is packed with bold and spicy flavors. The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors is in the ingredients used. Firm tofu is the star of the dish and provides a soft and creamy texture that absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Sichuan peppercorns add a unique tingling and numbing sensation to the dish, giving it that signature Sichuan flavor. Fermented black beans and chili bean paste provide a deep umami flavor and a spicy kick. The combination of minced ginger and garlic adds a fragrant aroma and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Finally, the sauce is made with a flavorful mix of chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and cornstarch to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy sheen.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tofu:

Start by draining the tofu and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes on a paper towel-lined plate and gently press down to remove any excess water.

2. Toast the Sichuan peppercorns:

Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add the Sichuan peppercorns. Toast for a few minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat and crush them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

3. Cook the tofu:

Add the vegetable oil to a wok or large pan and heat over high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and cook until they are lightly browned. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.

4. Prepare the sauce:

In the same pan, add the fermented black beans, chili bean paste, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant.

5. Add the broth and seasonings:

Add the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar to the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

6. Thicken the sauce:

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Slowly pour this mixture into the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.

7. Add the tofu:

Gently add the cooked tofu cubes back into the pan and coat them with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.

8. Garnish and serve:

Garnish the mapo tofu with chopped spring onions and serve hot with steamed rice. Now that you have the perfect mapo tofu dish, impress your friends and family with your cooking skills and enjoy this flavorful and authentic Chinese dish.