Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy and flavorful dish from Sichuan cuisine, featuring silken tofu in a rich, spicy sauce made with ground pork, chili bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb silken tofu, cubed
• ½ lb ground pork
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp fermented black bean paste
• 1 tbsp chili bean paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns to the pan. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the fermented black bean paste and chili bean paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the tofu and soy sauce to the pan, gently stirring to combine. Add a little water if necessary to make the sauce more liquid.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes until the tofu absorbs the flavors. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Suggested Pairing:

Pair your Mapo Tofu with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables like bok choy. A cold glass of Chinese iced tea or chilled beer pairs well with the heat of the dish.