Mapo Tofu
Ingredients List:
- One block of firm tofu, roughly 14 ounces, sliced into tiny cubes
- 200g, or roughly 7 ounces, of ground beef or pork
- two tsp of vegetable oil
- Two teaspoons of washed and chopped fermented black beans
- Two tablespoons of Doubanjiang chili bean paste
- One tablespoon of ground and roasted Sichuan peppercorns
- three minced garlic cloves
- one tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- One cup broth, either veggie or chicken
- Two tsp soy sauce
- One tsp sugar
- Two finely sliced green onions (for garnish)
- One or two tsp sesame oil (optional; for completing)
- Prepared white rice (to be served)
Step By Step Guidelines:
1. Get the tofu ready:
After chopping the tofu into little cubes, leave it aside.
2. Get the ground meat ready:
One tablespoon of vegetable oil should be heated over medium heat in a pan. Once added, sauté the ground beef or pork until browned. Eliminate any extra oil.
3. Aromatics in sauté:
Add one more tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Add the fermented black beans, ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
4. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and the chili bean paste:
Add the ground Sichuan peppercorns and the doubanjiang chili bean paste, stirring. Simmer for one additional minute to bring out the flavors.
5. Mix Tofu with Broth:
Tofu that has been cubed should be added to the skillet and gently stirred to coat it with the fragrant mixture. Add the broth, either vegetable or chicken.
6. The season:
Add sugar and soy sauce. Tofu should be allowed to absorb the flavors by simmering it over medium heat for ten to fifteen minutes.
7. Modify Coherence:
You can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the pan if the sauce is too thin. Once the sauce thickens, simmer it.
8. Complete and Present:
Drizzle the Mapo Tofu with chopped green onions. Pour in a little sesame oil if you want more flavor. Serve with cooked white rice on top.
Due to the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste, Mapo Tofu is renowned for its numbing and fiery bite. Adapt the level of spiciness to your personal preferences. Savor this hearty and aromatic Sichuan meal!