Best 5 Mapo Doufu Sichuan Tofu Ground Beef In Red Chile Sauce Recipes

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Mapo Doufu, a classic Sichuan dish, is a captivating culinary symphony of flavors and textures that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of China. It is a dish that tantalizes the senses with its fiery heat, the savory richness of ground beef, the softness of silken tofu, and the aromatic interplay of spices and herbs. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, yet its popularity has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, making it a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAPO TOFU RECIPE



Mapo Tofu Recipe image

Famous Mapo Tofu Recipe From Sichuan Cuisine. Recipe video below.

Provided by Elaine

Categories     Main Course

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 19

450 g soft tofu ( ,I am using Szechuan tender lushui tofu)
100 g minced meat-beef or pork
1/2 tbsp. sesame oil
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. cooking oil ( , divided)
1.5 tbsp. Doubanjiang ( ,roughly chopped)
1/2 tbsp. fermented black beans ( ,also known as dou-chi and fermented soya beans, roughly chopped)
1 tbsp. pepper flakes or powder ( ,optional)
1/2 tbsp. Sichuan pepper for making fresh ground powder
water or broth for braising ( ,I use 400ml this time)
1 tbsp. light soy sauce
1 tsp. sugar ( ,optional for reducing the spiciness)
2 scallion whites ( ,finely chopped)
4 garlic greens or scallion greens ( ,finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves ( ,finely chopped)
5 ginger slices ( ,finely minced (around 1 teaspoon))
2 and 1/2 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
steamed rice for serving

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

MAPO TOFU



Mapo Tofu image

You can order mapo tofu from many Chinese restaurants, but it's also quite doable at home. You can find the pivotal fermented chile and broad (fava) bean sauce or paste called doubanjiang (sometimes rendered as "toban djan") at a Chinese market. Look for a doubanjiang from Pixian, in Sichuan, and bear in mind that oilier versions have extra heat but may lack an earthy depth. Sichuan peppercorns add mala - tingly zing - and fermented black beans, called douchi, lend this dish a kick of umami. Ground beef is traditional, but many cooks choose pork; you can also try lamb, turkey thigh or a plant-based meat alternatives. Add chile flakes for extra fire, and balance mapo's intensity with rice and steamed or stir-fried broccoli.

Provided by Andrea Nguyen

Categories     dinner, lunch, weeknight, grains and rice, meat, one pot, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings (about 4 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 14

16 ounces medium or medium-firm tofu (if unavailable, go with firm)
1 rounded teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
3 tablespoons canola oil
6 ounces ground beef or pork (preferably 80 or 85 percent lean), roughly chopped to loosen
2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented chile bean sauce or paste)
1 tablespoon douchi (fermented black beans, optional)
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons regular soy sauce
1 rounded teaspoon granulated sugar, plus more if needed
Fine sea salt
2 large scallions, trimmed and cut on a sharp bias into thin, 2-inch-long pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 3 tablespoons water
Cooked white rice, for serving

Steps:

  • Prepare the tofu: Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and put into a bowl. Bring a kettle of water to a rolling boil. Turn off the heat and when the boiling subsides, pour hot water over the tofu to cover. Set aside for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large (14-inch) wok or (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, toast the peppercorns for 2 to 3 minutes, until super fragrant and slightly darkened. (A wisp of smoke is normal.) Let cool briefly, then pound with a mortar and pestle, or pulse in a spice grinder.
  • Set a strainer over a measuring cup, then add the tofu to drain; reserve 1 1/2 cups of the soaking water, discarding the rest. Set the tofu and reserved soaking water near the stove with the peppercorns and other prepped ingredients for swift cooking.
  • Reheat the wok or skillet over high. When hot - you can flick water in and it should sizzle and evaporate within seconds - swirl in the oil to evenly coat, then add the meat. Stir and mash into cooked and crumbly pieces, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add 2 1/2 tablespoons doubanjiang, the douchi (if using), ginger and red-pepper flakes (if using). Cook about 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly, until things are vivid reddish brown. Add the soy sauce and sugar, stir to combine, then add the tofu. Gently stir or shake the pan to combine the ingredients without breaking up the tofu much.
  • Add the reserved 1 1/2 cups soaking water, bring to a vigorous simmer, and cook for about 3 minutes, agitating the pan occasionally, to let the tofu absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  • Slightly lower the heat and taste the sauce. If needed, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of doubanjiang for heat, a pinch of salt for savoriness, or a sprinkle of sugar to tame heat.
  • Add the scallions and stir to combine. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, then stir in enough to the mapo tofu to thicken to a soupy rather than a gravy-like finish. Sprinkle in the ground peppercorns, give the mixture one last stir to incorporate, then transfer to a shallow bowl. Serve immediately with lots of hot rice.

MAPO DOUFU



Mapo Doufu image

This is one of those extremely simple recipes that is a staple of its culture, yet it is so difficult to find an authentic recipe. I received this from someone who was born and raised in Sichuan province. Serve with fresh steamed white rice.

Provided by Loving The Alien

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Chinese

Time 27m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon red chile flakes
1 tablespoon hot water
¼ cup soybean oil
1 ½ teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
1 large clove garlic, sliced thin
¼ pound ground pork
2 ½ tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste)
1 (15 ounce) container soft tofu, drained and cubed
¼ cup water
3 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • Place red pepper flakes in a small bowl of hot water. Let soak until softened.
  • Heat a wok over medium-high heat until very hot; pour in oil. Add peppercorns; toss briefly until aromatic. Add garlic; stir until aromatic, 10 to 15 seconds. Add ground pork; saute until until browned and crumbly, about 2 minutes.
  • Mix doubanjiang and red chile flakes into the pork mixture. Let simmer for about 1 minute. Add tofu and water; gently stir to coat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; let simmer until flavors meld, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and toss in green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7.9 g, Cholesterol 18.3 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 12.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 604.3 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

EXTRA TASTY MAPO DOUFU



Extra Tasty Mapo Doufu image

A spicy tofu and meat dish originating from the Szechuan province of China. After having a wonderful version of it in Beijing I came up with this version of it to fill my craving. Serve over short grain rice.

Provided by fujimama

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Chinese

Time 33m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns, or to taste
3 tablespoons peanut oil
½ pound ground pork
3 tablespoons chili bean sauce
4 teaspoons Chinese black bean and garlic sauce
1 tablespoon sliced dried Szechuan red chiles, or to taste
1 cup chicken stock
1 (14 ounce) container firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 pinches white sugar, or to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ cup chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Spread Szechuan peppercorns over a baking sheet.
  • Bake peppercorns under the preheated broiler until toasted, about 1 minute. Let cool; transfer to a mortar and pestle and crush into medium grinds.
  • Heat a wok or saucepan over high heat. Add oil; cook ground pork until mostly browned and crumbly, about 1 minute. Move pork to 1 side of the pan with a spatula. Reduce heat to medium. Add chili bean paste; cook and stir until oil turns red, about 30 seconds. Stir pork into oil.
  • Mix black bean sauce and dried chiles into the pork mixture; cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Stir in chicken stock. Add tofu gently; shake pan back and forth until tofu is coated in sauce but not broken, about 2 minutes. Add soy sauce and sugar. Reduce heat to low; let simmer, about 5 minutes.
  • Mix cornstarch in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons cold water. Increase heat to medium. Add to the tofu mixture, 1 teaspoon at a time, until sauce is almost as thick as ketchup and clings to the tofu, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in the green onions. Sprinkle toasted peppercorns on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250.8 calories, Carbohydrate 8.3 g, Cholesterol 36.8 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 13.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 1107.3 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

MAPO DOUFU (SICHUAN TOFU GROUND BEEF IN RED CHILE SAUCE)



Mapo Doufu (Sichuan Tofu Ground Beef in Red Chile Sauce) image

Make and share this Mapo Doufu (Sichuan Tofu Ground Beef in Red Chile Sauce) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Member 610488

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (14 ounce) package firm tofu, drained cut into 1 inch cubes
kosher salt, to taste
1/2 cup sichuan red chili oil (hong you)
6 garlic cloves, minced
6 inches piece ginger, peeled and minced
6 ounces ground beef or 6 ounces ground pork
4 scallions, thinly sliced plus more for garnish
1 red Thai chile, stemmed and minced
2 1/2 tablespoons chinese red chile bean paste (douban jiang)
1 tablespoon chinese fermented black soybeans (dou chi)
1 1/4 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1/4 cup cornstarch, mixed with 6 tbsp water
1/4 teaspoon ground sichuan pepper, for garnish
steamed rice, for serving

Steps:

  • Place tofu in a bowl with 3 cups boiling salted water. Let sit 15 minutes. Drain and spread on paper towels to dry; set aside.
  • Heat oil in a 14 inch flat-bottomed wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add beef; cook, stirring and breaking up meat, until browned, 4-6 minutes.
  • Add chives, chiles, paste, and beans. Cook, stirring, until scallions are wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Add stock and tofu. Bring to a boil, stirring gently, so as not to break up the tofu.
  • Add sugar and soy. Cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. While stirring, slowly add cornstarch mixture. Cook until sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes more.
  • Transfer to a dish and garnish with scallions and pepper. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.8, Fat 11.5, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 31.2, Sodium 402.5, Carbohydrate 17.6, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 5.4, Protein 19

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and measured. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your Mapo Tofu will taste. Look for firm tofu, fresh ground beef, and crisp vegetables.
  • Use a Good Quality郫县豆瓣酱 (Pixian Doubanjiang): This is a key ingredient in Mapo Tofu and it is important to use a good quality one. Look for a brand that is made with non-GMO soybeans and has a deep, rich flavor.
  • Don't Overcook the Tofu: Tofu is a delicate ingredient and it can easily be overcooked. Be careful not to cook it for more than a few minutes, or it will become tough and rubbery.
  • Serve Mapo Tofu Hot: Mapo Tofu is best served hot and fresh. It can be served with rice, noodles, or steamed buns.

Conclusion:

Mapo Tofu is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With its combination of tender tofu, savory ground beef, and spicy sauce, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and flavorful meal, give Mapo Tofu a try!

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