Spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g soft or silken tofu cut into cubes
- 200 g ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang Sichuan chili bean paste
- 1 tablespoon fermented black beans rinsed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns toasted and ground
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain and gently pat dry the tofu cubes. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate Sauces: Add doubanjiang, soy sauce, sugar, and broth. Bring to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Tofu: Gently add the tofu cubes to the skillet, being careful not to break them. Simmer for about 5 minutes to heat through.
- Finish with Spice: Stir in the ground Sichuan peppercorns and adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch, then this Mapo Tofu is exactly what you need. Hailing from Sichuan cuisine, it’s a fiery, aromatic stir-fry that combines silky tofu with ground meat and a rich, spicy sauce. Perfect for those evenings when you want something bold and flavorful.
This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows you to customize the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it mild or fiery hot, the complex flavors of Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Mapo Tofu is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With fragrant garlic, ginger, and the unmistakable heat of chili, every bite is a delightful clash of textures and flavors.
Overview of Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a celebrated dish from Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spicy profile. This dish combines soft tofu with ground meat, enveloped in a fiery sauce that features a perfect blend of spices.
The interplay of textures, from the silky tofu to the savory meat, creates a delightful experience for the palate. It not only satisfies hunger but also tantalizes taste buds with its aromatic and spicy notes.
Cooking Process
The preparation of Mapo Tofu is straightforward, making it an excellent option for both novices and seasoned cooks. Start by draining and drying the tofu carefully to ensure it holds its shape during cooking.
Next, in a hot skillet, ground meat is browned and combined with aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger, which infuse the dish with fragrance. Following this, chili bean paste and fermented black beans are added to create a rich, flavorful base.
Flavor Profiles
What sets Mapo Tofu apart is its remarkable flavor profile. The combination of heat from the chili sauce and the unique numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns delivers a complex taste experience.
Each bite offers a balance of savory, spicy, and umami notes, making it an irresistible choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. The addition of sugar helps to round out the flavors, ensuring that every element complements the others.
Serving Suggestions
Mapo Tofu is best served hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a touch of elegance. A bowl of steamed rice pairs beautifully, allowing the sauce to be soaked up and enjoyed with each spoonful.
For those looking to enhance the experience, serving this dish alongside pickled vegetables or a simple stir-fried green can provide a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the Mapo Tofu.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is versatile, allowing for adjustments based on personal preferences. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms or additional tofu. Adjusting the spice level can also cater to different palates—simply reduce the chili paste for a milder version.
Experimenting with various aromatics and herbs can further enhance its flavor, and adding a splash of vinegar or soy sauce just before serving can give it an extra kick.
Conclusion
Mapo Tofu stands out as a vibrant and satisfying dish that can easily take center stage at any meal. Its layered flavors and inviting presentation make it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. With a few simple ingredients and steps, anyone can create this exquisite dish that is sure to impress.
Whether enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger spread, Mapo Tofu invites you to savor its spicy allure in every bite.