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Mapo Tofu

Delicious Mapo Tofu: Easy Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Mapo Tofu is a flavorful, mildly spicy dish that brings the essence of Sichuan cuisine to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Sichuan
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu
  • 16 ounces Silken Tofu Substitute with soft or firm tofu if preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Oil Use any neutral oil.
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese Chili Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon Sichuan Peppercorn Essential for authentic flavor.
  • 1½ tablespoons Spicy Broad Bean Paste Look for vegan options if needed.
  • 8 ounces Ground Pork/Beef Can substitute with ground chicken or mushrooms.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder Optional, can omit for vegetarian.
  • 3 tablespoons Cornstarch Mix with water to thicken sauce.
  • 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil Optional for nutty aroma.
For Garnishing
  • 1 stalk Green Onion Thinly sliced, optional.
  • Kosher Salt Used for blanching tofu, adjust as needed.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • pot
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cut the silken tofu into ½ to 1-inch cubes and blanch in salted water for 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool and dry.
  2. In a skillet, heat oil and sauté the Chinese chili pepper flakes and Sichuan peppercorns for 15-30 seconds.
  3. Add ground pork to the skillet and cook until browned, then stir in ginger and garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in water or stock, gently add blanched tofu, and bring to a boil. Add sugar and optional bouillon powder, then simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the mixture until thickened.
  6. Finish by adding toasted sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve hot over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh ginger and garlic for enhanced flavor. Adjust spice levels to personal preference.

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