Chinese Classic: Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a famous Chinese Sichuan dish known for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors. This dish features soft tofu and minced pork cooked in a savory, spicy sauce made with doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) and Sichuan peppercorns. Follow this recipe to create authentic Mapo Tofu at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) soft tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) or dry sherry
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Tofu:

1. Blanch the Tofu:
   • Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add a pinch of salt and carefully add the tofu cubes. Blanch for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Cooking the Dish:

1. Cook the Pork:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula.
2. Add Aromatics:
   • Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Doubanjiang:
   • Stir in the doubanjiang and cook for another 30 seconds to release its flavors.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer:
   • Add the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, chicken broth, and sugar to the wok. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add Tofu:
   • Gently add the blanched tofu cubes to the wok. Stir gently to coat the tofu in the sauce, being careful not to break the tofu. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine and then slowly pour it into the wok, stirring gently to thicken the sauce.
7. Add Sichuan Peppercorns:
   • Sprinkle the ground Sichuan peppercorns over the top and stir gently to incorporate.

Serving:

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Transfer the Mapo Tofu to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Mapo Tofu is a bold and flavorful Sichuan dish that combines soft tofu with minced pork in a spicy, savory sauce. Perfect for a satisfying and spicy meal, this dish brings the authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine to your table. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe. Enjoy your meal!