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Sizzling Sichuan Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This iconic Sichuan dish combines silky soft tofu with spicy ground pork in a sauce that's numbing, spicy, and absolutely addictive. It's the perfect comfort food that'll transport you straight to the streets of Chengdu! 🥘
Mapo Tofu (Mabo Dofu)
👥 Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 400 g soft tofu cubed (about 14 oz)
  • 200 g ground pork about 7 oz
  • 2-3 tbsp doubanjiang spicy bean paste
  • 1-2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger finely chopped
  • 3-4 green onions separated whites and greens
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Prep Party Time! 🔪
  • Start by giving your tofu a gentle pat dry and cube it into 1-inch pieces. Pro tip: I like to let it sit on paper towels while prepping other ingredients - it helps the tofu hold up better!
  • Aromatics Assembly 💫
  • Mince that garlic, chop the ginger, and slice those green onions. Keep the white and green parts separate - trust me on this one!
  • The Sizzle Starts! 🔥
  • Get your wok SUPER hot (when you think it's hot enough, wait another 30 seconds!). Add your oil and let it shimmer.
  • Pork Perfect 🥘
  • Toss in that ground pork and break it up into small pieces. We want it nice and crispy - this is where the magic happens! Cook until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes).
  • Flavor Base 🌶️
  • Add your doubanjiang and let it fry for 1-2 minutes until the oil turns red - oh my goodness, the aroma! Then add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions.
  • The Grand Entry 🧊
  • Carefully slide in your tofu cubes, pour in the chicken stock, and add soy sauce. Gently stir - we want those tofu cubes to stay whole!
  • The Final Touch ✨
  • Pour in your cornstarch slurry, give it a gentle stir, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle with ground Sichuan peppercorns and green onions.

Notes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Iron: 3mg
  • Calcium: 180mg