What Is Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a well-liked Chinese language dish from Sichuan, that includes tender tofu in a spicy and savory sauce, usually with minced pork or beef. The title “Mapo Tofu” (麻婆豆腐) interprets to “pockmarked outdated woman tofu,” impressed by the lady who first made it in Sichuan province, China.

The “mala” (麻辣) Mapo Tofu sauce, combining “má” (麻 for numbing) and “là” (辣 for spicy), creates a novel and thrilling style expertise. This taste profile tingles the palate, rising urge for food and offering a deeply satisfying consuming expertise, akin to different well-liked Sichuan dishes equivalent to crimson oil wontons, Sichuan beef, and Sichuan cabbage.

The feel of Mapo Tofu is as interesting as its style, with tender tofu absorbing the spicy sauce, providing a easy, creamy distinction. Floor meat provides texture, whereas recent chopped scallions add shade and freshness to finish the dish.

Simple Mapo Tofu Recipe

As we speak, Mapo Tofu is as widespread in Chinese language eating places and as well-liked for takeout as Kung Pao Rooster. Regardless of its wealthy flavors, it’s surprisingly simple to make at dwelling. I’ll present you how one can recreate this dish in your individual kitchen, similar to your favourite Chinese language restaurant.

In case you’re new to Chinese language cooking, don’t fear! My genuine recipe for Mapo Tofu is simple, and anybody could make it at dwelling. You don’t have to depend on store-bought Mapo Tofu combine for this dish. My recipe calls for under 3 easy steps. Simply comply with my cooking information beneath, and also you’ll have a scrumptious serving of this famend tofu dish proper at dwelling!

Recipe Variations

This recipe is flexible as a result of you may modify the proteins and differ the degrees of numbing (ma) and spicy (la) flavors to fit your preferences. Listed below are two protein substitutions:

1. Vegetarian/Vegan Mapo Tofu: To make a vegetarian or vegan model, change the bottom pork or beef with minced mushrooms, significantly shiitake mushrooms for his or her deep umami taste. You should use recent shiitake mushrooms or rehydrate dried ones by soaking them in scorching water for 15-20 minutes till plump. Save the soaking liquid to boost the dish’s richness.
2. Seafood Mapo Tofu: For a seafood twist, add diced shrimp, scallops, or a mix of each to your Mapo Tofu. This variation introduces a wealthy and briny style that enhances the tofu properly.

In Japan and Korea, Mapo Tofu can be well-liked, particularly inside their Chinese language communities. In Japan, it’s generally known as Mabo Dofu, which has a milder spice stage and makes use of components like soy sauce, miso, and dashi for a savory, barely candy taste.

In Korea, generally known as Mapadubu or Mapa Tofu, it’s spicier as a consequence of Korean chili flakes or gochujang, including a definite spicy word. Korean variations could embrace further components like doenjang (fermented soybean paste) or sesame oil for further depth of taste.

Each diversifications cater to native tastes and are staples in Chinese language eating places in Japan and Korea, usually present in Chinatowns in each nations.

Mapo Tofu Substances

My recipe contains the next components, making a spicy and savory dish with a novel numbing sensation.

• Silken tofu.
• Floor pork or beef. I choose floor pork for this recipe.
• Cooking oil and chili oil.
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Scallion

Mapo Tofu Sauce

The sauce is the guts of this flavorful dish, identified for its daring and distinctive style. Listed below are the listing of components for the sauce:

• Spicy bean sauce. Referred to as Doubanjiang in Chinese language, this lends the savory and spicy taste within the sauce.
• Chili powder: Provides the enduring fiery warmth to the recipe.
• Fermented black bean. Referred to as Douchi in Chinese language, they’re utilized in varied Chinese language recipes. They’re paired with the spicy bean paste, chili oil cand chili powder to create the sturdy mapo tofu sauce.
• Sichuan peppercorns: Referred to as huajiao (花椒) in Chinese language language, Sichuan peppercorn is the key ingredient of Mapo Tofu as a consequence of its numbing impact and fragrant taste.
• Soy Sauce: Provides wealthy, deep umami.

Chinese language Substances Shopping for Information

Procuring Ideas: In the USA, Chinese language pantry components may be bought at giant Asian grocery store chains like 99 Ranch Market and H Mart. For Spicy Bean sauce, I like to recommend the Lee Kum Kee model, which is marketed as Chili Bean Sauce (Toban Djan).

How To Make Mapo Tofu

Step 1. Lower the tofu into small items, drain any extra water from it, and put aside. Warmth a wok, then add cooking oil and chili oil. Stir-fry chopped garlic, floor pork, and spicy bean paste till the pork is midway cooked.

Step 3. Scale back the warmth and simmer for about 3-5 minutes till the sauce thickens. Then, add roasted Sichuan peppercorn powder, chopped scallions, and add salt to style. Gently stirring to mix every part properly. Serve scorching with steamed rice.

Step 2. Subsequent, add chili powder, soy sauce, and fermented black beans, stir-frying till fragrant. Fastidiously add the tofu and water; gently stir to mix the tofu with out breaking it, guaranteeing it mixes properly with the sauce.

Useful Ideas For Residence Cooks

I realized this Mapo Tofu recipe from my pal in Sichuan, so it’s as genuine because it will get. Please word, this recipe is spicy with robust and daring flavors.

• In case you’re new to Chinese language cooking, particularly the mala flavors, contemplate lowering the quantity of chili oil, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorns.
• You should use agency tofu for those who choose a chewier texture.
• Put together all of the components earlier than beginning to prepare dinner, as stir-frying occurs rapidly.
• Use a tender silicone spatula to softly stir-fry the tofu to forestall it from breaking.
• Keep in mind to decrease the warmth whereas simmering the tofu with its sauce. This helps the tofu take in the flavors with out stirring an excessive amount of and doubtlessly breaking it.

By following the cooking ideas above, you may create a scrumptious and genuine Mapo Tofu dish at dwelling that rivals your favourite Chinese language restaurant!

Continuously Requested Questions

What To Serve With Mapo Tofu

The warmth from the spices may be intense, making it good to pair with steamed rice to stability out the spiciness. I like to recommend the next dishes for a satisfying Chinese language meal at dwelling:

I hope you take pleasure in this submit as a lot as I do. In case you strive my recipe, please share your picture within the Feedback part and contemplate giving it a 5-star ranking. I can’t wait to see your creations! Need easier and scrumptious recipes? Subscribe to my e-newsletter and comply with me on Fb, Pinterest, and Instagram for brand new updates.