**Mapo Tofu (Spicy Sichuan Tofu): A Savory and Aromatic Dish**
Mapo tofu, a classic Sichuan dish, tantalizes taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This iconic dish features tender tofu cubes immersed in a vibrant red sauce, teeming with aromatic spices, minced pork, and a symphony of vegetables. The sauce, a culinary masterpiece, is a harmonious union of fermented bean paste, fiery chili oil, and a hint of sweetness, creating a captivating harmony that lingers on the palate. Mapo tofu is a versatile dish, easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences and spice levels. With vegetarian and vegan variations available, this delectable dish caters to a wide range of culinary enthusiasts. Join us on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets behind this beloved dish, exploring various recipes that showcase its diverse culinary expressions.
MAPO TOFU RECIPE
Famous Mapo Tofu Recipe From Sichuan Cuisine. Recipe video below.
Provided by Elaine
Categories Main Course
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Add a small pinch of salt and ground pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Cut tofu into square cubes (around 2cms). Bring a large amount of water to a boil and then add a pinch of salt. Slide the tofu in and cook for 1 minute. Move out and drain. This helps to remove the raw soy flavor form tofu.
- Get a wok and heat up around 2 tablespoons of oil, fry the minced meat until crispy. Transfer out and leave the oil in.
- Add another 1 tablespoon of vegetable cooking oil and fry doubanjiang for 1 minute over slow fire until the red turns red (bring us a lovely red color dish) and add fermented black beans, garlic, scallion white and ginger, cook for 30 seconds until aroma. Optionally mix pepper flakes in. Pepper flakes should be added at the end because it contains little water and can be burnt easily.
- Pour in water or stock. Add light soy sauce, sugar and half of the cooked beef (providing more flavors to the soup) after the broth boils and let it continue simmering for 2-3 minutes. Place the tofu in, simmer for another 6-8 minutes. The longer time of simmering helps the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- During the process of simmering, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2.5 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to make water starch. Stir the water starch and then pour half of the mixture to the simmering pot. Back push and wait for around 30 seconds and then pour the other half. You can slightly taste the tofu and add pinch of salt if not salty enough. Add cooked beef to creates some crispy texture and then drizzle sesame oil. Mix well.
- Transfer out when almost all the seasonings stick to tofu cubes. Sprinkle Szechuan peppercorn powder (to taste)and chopped garlic greens if using.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 501 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 35 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 1072 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SPICY SICHUAN TOFU (MAPO DOUFU)
Provided by Eileen Wen Mooney
Categories Wok Pork Stir-Fry Quick & Easy Dinner Meat Tofu Soy Sauce Gourmet Dairy Free Tree Nut Free
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Grind peppercorns in grinder and set aside.
- Cut tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and pat dry.
- Heat wok over high heat until it begins to smoke, then pour oil down side and swirl to coat bottom and side. Stir-fry pork until no longer pink. Add bean sauce, black beans, and chile powder and stir-fry 1 minute. Stir in stock, soy sauce, sugar, tofu, and a pinch of salt. Simmer, gently stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Stir cornstarch mixture into stir-fry and simmer, gently stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Stir in scallions and simmer 1 minute. Serve sprinkled with Sichuan pepper.
- **Serve with:**perfect steamed rice
Tips:
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu. This will help the tofu hold its shape when it's cooked.
- Press the tofu before cooking. This will help remove excess moisture and make the tofu more flavorful.
- Marinate the tofu in a flavorful sauce before cooking. This will help the tofu absorb more flavor.
- Cook the tofu over medium heat. This will help prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Don't overcook the tofu. Overcooked tofu will become tough and rubbery.
- Serve the tofu immediately. This will help keep the tofu warm and flavorful.
Conclusion:
Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that is both delicious and easy to make. With its combination of spicy, savory, and numbing flavors, mapo tofu is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and satisfying dish, give mapo tofu a try.
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