Mapo tofu, also known as "pockmarked tofu", is a classic Sichuan dish that has become a beloved favorite around the world. It's a spicy, savory, and aromatic dish that features soft, silken tofu braised in a sauce made with minced pork or beef, fermented bean paste, chili oil, and various spices. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply irresistible, and it's no wonder that it has become one of the most popular Chinese dishes. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of mapo tofu, provide tips on how to make the best version of this dish at home, and share some of our favorite variations and interpretations of this iconic Sichuan dish.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
MAPO TOFU RECIPE
Famous Mapo Tofu Recipe From Sichuan Cuisine. Recipe video below.
Provided by Elaine
Categories Main Course
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 19
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
SICHUAN MAPO TOFU
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Mix the tapioca starch and the soy sauce together.
- Marinate pork for about 20 minutes.
- Cut the tofu ( bean curd ) into 1/2-inch square cubes, and blanch (drop into boiling water) for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from boiling water and drain.
- Chop leek or green onions into short lengths.
- Heat wok and add oil. When the oil is ready, add the marinated pork. Stir-fry pork until the color darkens. Add salt and stir.
- Add the salted black beans. Mash the beans with a cooking ladle until they blend in well with the meat.
- Add the chili bean paste, then the stock, bean curd, and leek or green onions. Turn down the heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- While cooking, mix cornstarch , water, and soy sauce together. Add to wok and stir gently.
- Serve with freshly ground Szechuan pepper and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 469 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 45 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 2021 mg, Fat 23 g, ServingSize 2 servings, UnsaturatedFat 15 g
MAPO TOFU (SZECHUAN HOMESTYLE TOFU)
I had this recipe from my Chinese professor. It's a very famous Chinese dish, excellent with steam rice. I normally make a little more sauce to pour over rice and steamed bok choy
Provided by Nolita_Food
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 30m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix marinade ingredients.
- Marinate pork for about 20 minutes.
- Cut the bean curd into 1/2 inch (1 cm) square cubes, and blanch (drop into boiling water) for 2- 3 minutes.
- Remove from boiling water and drain.
- Chop leeks or green onions into short lengths.
- Heat wok and add oil.
- When oil is ready, add the marinated pork.
- Stir-fry pork until the color darkens.
- Add salt and stir.
- Add the black bean paste.
- Add the chili paste, then the stock, tofu, and leek or green onions.
- Turn down the heat.
- Cook for 3- 4 minutes.
- While cooking, mix cornstarch, water, and soy sauce together.
- Add to wok and stir gently.
- Serve with freshly ground Szechuan pepper.
- Prep time is marinating time.
MAPO TOFU
Whole Szechuan peppercorns give this dish pops of the mouth-tingling numbness that's traditional to Szechuan cuisine. Look for black bean sauce and chili bean paste in Asian markets or in the Asian aisle of larger grocery stores.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes Ground Pork Recipes
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place tofu on a plate lined with paper towels. Place another plate on top to weight it down. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together black-bean chili sauce, chili bean paste, hoisin, sesame oil, and 1/2 cup water. Add cornstarch and whisk to combine. Remove tofu from paper towel and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Heat safflower oil in a large skillet over high. Add pork and a pinch of salt and cook, breaking up with back of spoon, until pork is brown and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, peppercorns, and scallions; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in sauce and an additional 1/2 cup water. Carefully fold in tofu. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until sauce thickens slightly and coats tofu, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve over rice with a sprinkling of scallions and cilantro.
Tips:
- Use firm or extra firm tofu for the best texture.
- Press the tofu before cooking to remove excess water.
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Use a large skillet or wok to cook the tofu so that it has plenty of room to brown.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet or wok, or the tofu will steam instead of brown.
- Cook the tofu over medium-high heat until it is golden brown on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu from the skillet or wok so that the excess oil drains off.
- Make sure the sauce is simmering before adding the tofu back to the skillet or wok.
- Serve the mapo tofu immediately over rice or noodles.
Conclusion:
Mapo tofu is an easy-to-make, yet flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender tofu, savory sauce, and spicy heat is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give mapo tofu a try. You won't be disappointed!
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