Mapo Tofu, a classic Sichuan dish, features the tantalizing combination of tender tofu, savory minced pork, and the unique flavor of Chinese black beans. This delectable dish, known for its spicy and aromatic broth, is a staple in Sichuan cuisine and is enjoyed for its harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for Mapo Tofu with Chinese black beans, Sichuan style, exploring its rich history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step cooking instructions. Let us unlock the secrets of this iconic dish and learn how to prepare an unforgettable Mapo Tofu that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
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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 WITH CHINESE BLACK BEANS SICHUAN STYLE
Tofu (Japanese name for Bean Curd (Chinese name Dou Fo) is high in protein, inexpensive and blends very well with many foods. There are different variations of tofu from the cuisines of Korea, Japan and China. Plus each country has variations such as silken (very soft), soft, medium or firm tofu. I recommend using a medium or firm tofu and a Sichuan Spicy Noodle Sauce for this tasty dish. This dish can be very spicy or mild according to your personal taste� see notes below.
Provided by SkipperSy
Categories Pork
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- PREPARATION.
- Rinse briefly the salted black beans in water to remove some of the salt and then add 2 or more tablespoons rice wine and soak for 15 minutes, set aside.
- Add grated ginger to the salted black beans.
- In a bowl add the ground meat and 1 tablespoon soya sauce and mix, set aside.
- In a measuring cup add 1/2 to 3/4 cup stock, oyster sauce, Amoy Sichuan Spicy Noodle Sauce, garlic, chili paste with garlic, sugar, chili peppers, set aside.
- Cut up the tofu into bite size cubes, set aside.
- In a cup add 3 tablespoons tapioca starch, 4 tablespoons stock, mix to create a watery mixture, set aside.
- COOKING DIRECTIONS.
- In a wok (or Teflon pan) add the peanut oil and when hot add the salted black bean mixture, stir for 1 minute.
- Add the ground pork (or other meat) and stir to break up the pieces for about 1 minute.
- Next add the stock mixture, stir and bring to a boil.
- Add the tofu and gently toss (try not to break up the tofu), cover and let cook for 2 or more minutes, remove the cover and gently toss again, cover and let cook for 1 more minutes.
- Mix the tapioca starch and stock, remove the cover and then add ½ of the mixture and at the same time stir gently until the sauce becomes thick (add more of the tapioca mixture as needed).
- Add the scallions and sesame oil, briefly toss gently� now you are almost finished.
- In individual plates add some white rice and the black bean & tofu sauce on the side or on top.
- Enjoy.
- NOTES:.
- You can substitute ingredients like using sweet oyster sauce or eliminating the salted black beans and also reducing a little of the spicy ingredients for a milder dish.
- The photo shows that I used scotch bonnet peppers which are extremely hot, so substitute other types to your liking.
- You can use the soft tofu, but it will break down more easily when stirring and also release more liquid as well.
- If you add to much stock (1/2 to 3/4 is good) or the softer types of tofu the sauce will become to thinner� and you will then need to add more of the tapioca starch mixture for a thicker sauce.
- The Amoy Sichuan Spicy Noodle Sauce (fermented salted soybean, chili, garlic) is a great ingredient for this spicy dish or use other types of sauce found on Asian food store shelves.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.2, Fat 15.6, SaturatedFat 3.2, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 578.7, Carbohydrate 4.9, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.3, Protein 11
MAPO TOFU
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
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 TOFU
From About.com: Chinese Food A famous Szechuan recipe - the name Ma Po Tofu is roughly translated as "pockmarked grandmother beancurd," named for the old woman who supposedly invented the dish.
Provided by Nado2003
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mix marinade ingredients. Marinate pork for about 20 minutes.
- Cut the tofu (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 leek 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 salted black beans. Mash the beans with a cooking ladle until they blend in well with the meat. Add the chili paste, then the stock, bean curd, 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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 254.8, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 3.7, Cholesterol 27, Sodium 1201.8, Carbohydrate 9.1, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 2.2, Protein 17.6
VEGAN MAPO TOFU
Mapo tofu is a justly popular menu item in many Chinese restaurants. It is a quickly cooked dish of braised tofu with minced pork (sometimes beef) in a bracing spicy sauce made with fermented black beans and fermented broad bean paste, along with hot red pepper and Sichuan pepper. This meatless version with fresh shiitake mushrooms is completely satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. For the best texture, use soft tofu rather than firm, taking care to cook it gently to keep it from crumbling.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, lunch, quick, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Remove stems from mushrooms. Make a light mushroom broth by simmering stems in 2 cups water for 15 minutes, then strain and reserve broth (discard stems). Dice mushroom caps and set aside.
- Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Cover with boiling salted water, let steep for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Put oil in a wok or wide skillet over medium heat. Add red peppers, black beans and bean paste and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garlic and ginger and let sizzle, then add mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil and Sichuan pepper. Add 1 1/2 cups mushroom broth and cook mixture gently for 2 minutes.
- Carefully add tofu cubes. Shake pan to distribute sauce, using a wooden spoon to help. Try to avoid smashing tofu. Drizzle in cornstarch mixture, gently swirling pan to incorporate (sauce will thicken) and simmer tofu in sauce for 2 minutes more. Thin with a little mushroom broth if necessary. Transfer to a low bowl or platter. Sprinkle with scallions and cilantro sprigs.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 166, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 638 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Choose the right tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu is best for mapo tofu, as it holds its shape better during cooking.
- Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu helps to remove excess water, which results in a firmer texture.
- Use good quality Chinese black beans: Look for black beans that are plump and black in color. Avoid beans that are wrinkled or have a greenish tint.
- Brown the tofu before simmering: Browning the tofu adds flavor and color to the dish.
- Use a variety of chili peppers: Using different types of chili peppers, such as Szechuan peppers, guajillo peppers, and red pepper flakes, adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Don't overcook the tofu: Overcooked tofu becomes tough and rubbery. Simmer the tofu for just a few minutes, until it is heated through.
Conclusion:
Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, it's a dish that is both delicious and addictive. By following the tips above, you can make a mapo tofu that is sure to impress your friends and family.
- Choose the right tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu is best for mapo tofu, as it holds its shape better during cooking.
- Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu helps to remove excess water, which results in a firmer texture.
- Use good quality Chinese black beans: Look for black beans that are plump and black in color. Avoid beans that are wrinkled or have a greenish tint.
- Brown the tofu before simmering: Browning the tofu adds flavor and color to the dish.
- Use a variety of chili peppers: Using different types of chili peppers, such as Szechuan peppers, guajillo peppers, and red pepper flakes, adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Don't overcook the tofu: Overcooked tofu becomes tough and rubbery. Simmer the tofu for just a few minutes, until it is heated through.
Conclusion:
Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, it's a dish that is both delicious and addictive. By following the tips above, you can make a mapo tofu that is sure to impress your friends and family.
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