Mapo Tofu is a classic Sichuan dish known for its bold flavors and fiery kick. Originating from China, this dish has made its way into kitchens worldwide, beloved for its comforting warmth and satisfying umami taste.

Despite its complex flavors, Mapo Tofu is surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike.

At the heart of this dish lies tofu, a versatile ingredient that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce while providing a creamy texture.

Combined with minced beef, Sichuan bean paste, and fermented black beans, Mapo Tofu offers a delightful blend of savory, spicy, and slightly numbing flavors characteristic of Sichuan cuisine.

The addition of garlic and green onions enhances the aroma and freshness of the dish, while Sichuan peppercorns impart a distinctive tingling sensation that sets Mapo Tofu apart.

One of the best things about Mapo Tofu is its adaptability. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, you can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences.

Plus, with readily available ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can whip up a delicious batch of Mapo Tofu in no time. So why not bring a taste of Sichuan cuisine into your kitchen and delight your taste buds with this flavorful and comforting dish?

Expert Tip: Adjust the spiciness level according to your preference by adding more or less Sichuan peppercorns and chili paste.

Ingredients

Tofu: Tofu serves as the main ingredient in Mapo Tofu, offering a delicate and creamy texture that complements the bold flavors of the dish. Its neutral taste allows it to absorb the rich sauce, creating a satisfying contrast to the savory meat and spices.

Minced Meat (Beef): Minced beef adds depth and richness to Mapo Tofu, infusing the dish with hearty flavor. Its savory notes complement the spicy undertones of the sauce, creating a satisfyingly robust dish.

Sichuan Bean Paste: Sichuan bean paste, also known as doubanjiang, is a key ingredient in Mapo Tofu, providing a complex and spicy flavor profile. Made from fermented broad beans and chili peppers, it adds depth and umami to the dish, contributing to its signature taste.

Black Beans (Fermented): Fermented black beans add a unique depth of flavor to Mapo Tofu, with their salty and slightly sweet taste. These beans lend a complex umami flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall richness.

Sichuan Peppercorns: Sichuan peppercorns are renowned for their numbing and citrusy flavor, adding a distinctive dimension to Mapo Tofu. They provide a tingling sensation that complements the dish’s spicy heat, creating a memorable dining experience.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth to Mapo Tofu, infusing the dish with its pungent flavor. It enhances the overall complexity of the sauce, contributing to its rich and savory profile.

Green Onion: Chopped green onions lend a fresh and vibrant flavor to Mapo Tofu, offering a crisp contrast to the dish’s bold and spicy elements. They provide a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.

Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth and umami to Mapo Tofu, enriching the sauce with its savory flavor. It balances the heat of the spices and enhances the overall complexity of the dish.

Cornflour: Cornflour serves as a thickening agent in Mapo Tofu, helping to create a velvety and luscious sauce. It binds the ingredients together and adds body to the dish, ensuring a satisfyingly thick and flavorful texture.

Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying and sautéing in Mapo Tofu, providing a neutral base for cooking the ingredients. It helps to develop the flavors of the dish and ensures that the ingredients are evenly cooked.

Beef Broth: Beef broth serves as the liquid base for Mapo Tofu, infusing the dish with rich and savory flavor. It adds depth to the sauce and ensures that the dish is moist and succulent, enhancing its overall taste and texture

Expert Tip: For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought. Simmer beef bones with aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger for several hours to create a deeply flavorful broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Mapo Tofu hot, straight from the stove, to enjoy its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth.
• Accompany Mapo Tofu with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. The fluffy texture of rice or the chewiness of noodles provides a perfect balance to the bold flavors of the dish.
• Garnish Mapo Tofu with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color. The green onions add a vibrant contrast to the dish and enhance its overall presentation.
• Pair Mapo Tofu with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing element to the meal. The crisp texture and subtle sweetness of the vegetables complement the rich and spicy flavors of the dish.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different types of tofu, such as silken or firm, to vary the texture of the dish. Silken tofu creates a softer texture, while firm tofu holds its shape better during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of Mapo Tofu?

Mapo Tofu originated from the Sichuan province of China and is named after a pockmarked old woman (“Mapo”) who is said to have created the dish. It has since become a beloved staple of Sichuan cuisine and gained popularity worldwide for its bold flavors.

Is Mapo Tofu spicy?

Yes, Mapo Tofu is known for its spicy flavor profile, thanks to ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and Sichuan bean paste. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference by varying the amount of chili paste or peppercorns used in the recipe.

Can I make Mapo Tofu vegetarian?

Yes, Mapo Tofu can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the minced meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Tofu provides a satisfying protein source, and the dish remains flavorful with the addition of aromatic spices and savory sauces.

How can I store leftover Mapo Tofu?

Leftover Mapo Tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and gently heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Can I freeze Mapo Tofu?

While Mapo Tofu can be frozen, the texture of the tofu may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed.

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Mapo Tofu

by Nabeela Kauser

Discover a tantalizing twist on a classic Sichuan dish, Mapo Tofu. Enjoy the fiery spices and bold flavours without the traditional pork, replaced here with ground beef, offering a fresh perspective on this popular Chinese cuisine.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 237 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 300 g Tofu
• ▢ 150 g Minced Meat Beef
• ▢ 2 tbsp Sichuan Bean Paste
• ▢ 2 tsp Black Beans Fermented
• ▢ 1 tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 2 Green Onion Chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• ▢ 1 tsp Cornflour
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 100 ml Beef Broth

Instructions

• Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set it aside.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a pan, add the Sichuan peppercorns, and fry them until fragrant. Remove the peppercorns and discard them, keeping the oil in the pan.
• In the same pan, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned.
• Add the Sichuan bean paste and fermented black beans to the pan, stir them well with the beef.
• Add the garlic and half of the chopped green onion to the pan and stir-fry them until fragrant.
• Add the beef broth, soy sauce, and tofu to the pan, bring the broth to a boil, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Mix the corn-starch with a little water to make a slurry, then add it to the pan and stir well until the sauce thickens.
• Serve the Mapo Tofu hot, garnished with the remaining green onion.

Notes

This Mapo Tofu recipe is made without pork and uses ground beef instead.

It still maintains the original flavours and spiciness that make Mapo Tofu a popular dish in and out of China.

The Sichuan bean paste and fermented black beans can be found in any Asian market or online.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 626mgPotassium: 165mgFibre: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 2mgVitamin D: 0.04µgCalcium: 112mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Beef, Cooking, Food, Meat, Minced Meat, Recipe, Tofu

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