15 Minute Authentic MAPO TOFU For your Busy WEEKNIGHT DINNER!

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make a quick and authentic Mapo Tofu, a delicious Sichuan dish perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll impress your family or guests with this flavorful meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.

• Vegetables:

  • 4 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, smashed and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (for extra spiciness, use chili peppers)

• Tofu:

  • 300 grams of firm tofu, patted dry and cut into small cubes

• Meat:

  • 130 grams of ground pork (or beef/chicken)

• Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon Chinese chili bean paste
  • 0.5 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine (or mirin/water as substitutes)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • A pinch of MSG (optional)

• Chicken Stock:

  • 1 cup of water mixed with 0.5 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder

Step 2: Blanch the Tofu

To prevent the tofu from breaking apart during cooking, blanch it first.

1. Boil salted water in a pot.
2. Add the tofu cubes and blanch for about 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce and Stock

Combine the sauce ingredients in one bowl and the chicken stock in another.

• For the Sauce:

  • In a small container, mix:
    • 1 tablespoon Chinese chili bean paste
    • 0.5 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • A pinch of MSG (optional)

• For the Chicken Stock:

  • Mix 1 cup of water with 0.5 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder.

Step 4: Cook the Pork and Vegetables

In a wok, start cooking the pork and vegetables.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1.5 tablespoons of chili oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground pork and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Once the pork is no longer pink, add:
   • Sliced green onions
   • Chopped garlic
   • Grated ginger
4. Stir for about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Bring all the elements together for a flavorful dish.

1. Increase the heat to high and add the prepared sauce. Mix for about 1 minute.
2. Add the chopped bell peppers and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and stir until combined.
4. Gently add the blanched tofu and simmer for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to break the tofu.

Step 6: Final Touches

Enhance the dish with authentic flavors.

1. If desired, add:
   • 0.5 tablespoon of toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns (or 0.5 tablespoon of peppercorn oil)
   • 0.5 teaspoon of Chinese black vinegar
2. To thicken the sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water).
3. Once thickened, turn off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil.

Conclusion

Transfer the Mapo Tofu to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also brings authentic flavors to your table. Enjoy it with steamed rice for a complete meal. Give it a try and enjoy one of the best Mapo Tofu recipes you've ever tasted!