Mapo Tofu is a delicious Chinese dish well-known for its unique blend of flavors. With a spicy kick, it is a great comfort food or main course. The dish combines the softness of tofu with the rich flavors of a spicy meat sauce to create a hearty meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.
Photos of Mapo Tofu Recipe
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in your pantry. Black bean paste and Szechuan peppercorns are integral to achieving the authentic flavor of Mapo tofu. They can be found at Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of a large supermarket. Similarly, tofu, bamboo shoots, and chili garlic paste can also be found in the same sections.
Essential Ingredients for Mapo Tofu
vegetable oil: Used for cooking the ingredients and adding a bit of flavor.
pork loin: Adds a meaty texture and rich flavor to the dish.
white mushrooms: Gives an earthy taste and additional texture.
bamboo shoots: Provides a mild flavor and crunchy texture.
yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
sesame oil: Used for its nutty and aromatic flavor.
garlic: Enhances the flavor of the dish.
ginger: Adds a warm and zesty taste.
green onions: Gives a refreshing crisp and mild flavor.
chicken broth: Used as a base for the sauce and adds a savory touch.
cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce.
soy sauce: Adds saltiness and a rich umami flavor.
sugar: Balances the saltiness and spiciness of the dish.
szechuan peppercorns: Unique spice with a slight lemony taste that creates a tingly numbness in the mouth.
black bean paste: Gives a deep, salty flavor.
chili garlic paste: Adds heat and a robust flavor.
red chili peppers: Increases the heat of the dish.
tofu: Provides a mild flavor and smooth texture.
One reader, Clerissa Knotts says:
This mapo tofu recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and the texture is perfect. It's a delightful combination of spice and savory, and the tofu absorbs the sauce beautifully. It's now a staple in my weekly meal rotation. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Key Techniques for Crafting Mapo Tofu
How to prepare the ingredients: Wash and chop the pork loin, white mushrooms, yellow onion, and green onions. Drain and cut the tofu into cubes. Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the red chili peppers.
How to cook the pork and vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet, then add the pork, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and onions. Cook on medium-high heat until the pork is cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
How to make the sauce: Whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, and Szechuan peppercorns in a small bowl.
How to combine the sauce with the ingredients: Add the sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and green onions to the skillet. Then, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the pork and vegetables.
How to thicken the sauce: Add the black bean paste, chili garlic paste, and red chili peppers to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
How to serve: Once the sauce has thickened, add the tofu and stir gently to combine. Serve the mapo tofu hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
How To Make Mapo Tofu
A hearty dish made with tofu and pork, the addition of black bean paste and Szechuan peppercorns makes this Mapo tofu a truly authentic Szechuan dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspvegetable oil
- 8ozpork loin
- 6ozwhite mushroomsquartered
- 4ozsliced bamboo shootsdrained
- ½yellow oniondiced
- 1tbspsesame oil
- 2clovesgarlicminced
- 1tbspgingerminced
- 2green onionssliced white part only
- 1cupchicken broth
- 1tspcornstarch
- 1tbspsoy sauce
- 1tspsugar
- ½tspSzechuan peppercornsground
- 3tbspblack bean paste
- 1tbspchili garlic paste
- 4red chili peppers
- 14ozmedium tofudrained and cut in 3/4” chunks
Instructions
-
Add the vegetable oil to a wok or large skillet with the pork, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and onions and cook on medium-high heat until cooked through for about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Add in the sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, and cook for an additional 30 seconds while whisking together the broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, and peppercorns in a small bowl and add it to the skillet.
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Add the black bean paste, chili garlic paste, red chili peppers, and whisk together. Add in the tofu and stir to combine until the sauce starts to thicken another 2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 274.31kcal
- Fat: 18.12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.36g
- Carbohydrates: 13.04g
- Fiber: 2.67g
- Sugar: 5.58g
- Protein: 17.43g
- Cholesterol: 25.01mg
- Sodium: 554.12mg
- Calcium: 165.81mg
- Potassium: 637.49mg
- Iron: 2.41mg
- Vitamin A: 18.65µg
- Vitamin C: 47.42mg
Mastering the Art of Mapo Tofu: A Crucial Technique Tip
When incorporating the tofu into the dish, it's important to handle it gently to maintain its texture. Tofu can easily break apart if stirred too vigorously. Therefore, instead of stirring, try folding the tofu into the sauce. This will ensure that it gets evenly coated without losing its shape. Additionally, using medium tofu is recommended as it has the perfect balance of firmness and softness for this recipe. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can opt for firm tofu. However, avoid using silken tofu as it may disintegrate into the sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Mapo Tofu Recipe
Plan ahead: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and prepare them as per the instructions. This will help streamline the cooking process.
Prep in advance: Chop, slice, and measure all the ingredients beforehand to save time during the actual cooking process.
Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to avoid any unnecessary clutter and confusion while preparing the dish.
Multi-task: Utilize your time efficiently by working on different components of the recipe simultaneously, such as chopping vegetables while the meat is cooking.
Use ready-made ingredients: Consider using pre-made ingredients like pre-minced garlic or pre-cut vegetables to cut down on prep time.
One-pot cooking: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in a single pot or pan to minimize clean-up and save time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the provided measurements and instructions to avoid any mistakes that may require additional time to rectify.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and ingredients as you progress through the recipe to maintain an organized workspace and reduce post-cooking clean-up time.
Substitute Ingredients For Mapo Tofu Recipe
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for vegetable oil in cooking.
pork loin - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish while offering a lighter alternative to pork.
white mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and texture to white mushrooms, making them a suitable substitute in the recipe.
sliced bamboo shoots - Substitute with water chestnuts: Water chestnuts can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to bamboo shoots in the dish.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, offering a slightly milder flavor while still providing the aromatic base for the dish.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil, providing a nutty flavor and high smoke point suitable for stir-frying.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor profile while being convenient to use.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, offering a similar flavor and aroma to the dish.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a mild onion flavor and a similar visual appeal to the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a flavorful liquid base for the dish.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce in the dish.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can be used as a substitute for soy sauce, providing a gluten-free alternative with a similar umami flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the dish while incorporating a natural flavor.
szechuan peppercorns - Substitute with black peppercorns: Black peppercorns can be used as a substitute for Szechuan peppercorns, providing a pungent and spicy flavor to the dish.
black bean paste - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for black bean paste, offering a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
chili garlic paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for chili garlic paste, providing a spicy and garlicky flavor to the dish.
red chili peppers - Substitute with jalapeño peppers: Jalapeño peppers can be used as a substitute for red chili peppers, offering a milder heat level while still adding a spicy kick to the dish.
medium tofu - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can be used as a substitute for medium tofu, providing a denser texture that holds up well in the dish.
Presenting Mapo Tofu: Tips for a Beautiful Dish
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mapo tofu, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the ingredients to showcase the dish's textures and colors.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a pop of color and flavor with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or a garnish of vibrant red chili peppers. These elements will enhance the overall presentation and add a touch of sophistication.
Emphasize balance: Pay attention to the balance of flavors and textures on the plate. Ensure that each component, from the tender pork loin to the silky tofu, is thoughtfully placed to create a harmonious dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to draw attention to the central elements of the dish. This technique can create a sense of elegance and refinement in the presentation.
Consider the vessel: Choose a beautiful, high-quality dish or bowl to serve the mapo tofu. The vessel should complement the dish without overshadowing it, adding to the overall dining experience.
Precision in plating: Pay attention to the details and ensure that each element is meticulously placed. Precision in plating demonstrates a high level of skill and attention to the art of culinary presentation.
Highlight the tofu: Showcase the tofu as the star of the dish by placing it at the center of the plate and arranging the other ingredients around it in a visually appealing manner.
Artful drizzling: Consider incorporating a delicate drizzle of sesame oil or a swirl of chili oil on the plate to add a touch of artistry and elevate the visual appeal of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Mapo Tofu
Wok or large skillet: A wok or large skillet is used for stir-frying and cooking the ingredients at high heat. It has a wide surface area and sloping sides, allowing for even heat distribution and easy tossing of the ingredients.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used for mixing together the broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, and peppercorns before adding it to the skillet. It helps to ensure that the ingredients are well combined before adding them to the dish.
Whisk: A whisk is used to blend the broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, and peppercorns in the small bowl. It helps to create a smooth and uniform mixture.
Spatula: A spatula is used for stirring and combining the ingredients in the wok or skillet. It allows for gentle folding and mixing without breaking the tofu or other delicate ingredients.
Knife: A knife is used for slicing the pork loin, mushrooms, onions, garlic, ginger, and green onions. It is essential for preparing the ingredients before cooking.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients. It helps to protect the countertop and keeps the knife sharp while preparing the recipe.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure and add the soy sauce, sugar, and peppercorns to the dish. Precise measurements are important for achieving the right balance of flavors.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to measure and add the chicken broth to the dish. It ensures that the right amount of liquid is added to the recipe.
Cooking spoon: A cooking spoon is used for stirring and serving the mapo tofu. It allows for easy handling and portioning of the dish when serving.
Storing and Freezing Mapo Tofu for Later
- Let the mapo tofu cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled mapo tofu to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen mapo tofu in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed or refrigerated mapo tofu in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- If you plan to freeze the mapo tofu, it's best to undercook the tofu slightly during the initial cooking process, as it will soften further upon reheating.
- Consider storing the tofu and sauce separately if you plan to freeze the dish, as this will help maintain the texture of the tofu better. Simply reheat the sauce and tofu together when ready to serve.
How To Reheat Leftover Mapo Tofu
Reheat mapo tofu in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps to preserve the texture of the tofu and allows the flavors to meld together again.
For a quicker option, microwave the leftover mapo tofu in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the tofu to become rubbery.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet or microwave dish to thin it out and restore the original consistency.
For a crispy twist, place the leftover mapo tofu in an oven-safe dish and top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is lightly browned and crispy.
Transform your leftover mapo tofu into a new dish by serving it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. The starches will absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
For a cold appetizer, chill the leftover mapo tofu in the refrigerator and serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce or cucumber slices. The cool temperature and crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors of the dish.
Fascinating Facts About Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a popular Chinese dish that originated from the Sichuan province. The dish is known for its spicy and numbing flavor, which comes from the use of Szechuan peppercorns. These peppercorns create a unique tingling sensation in the mouth, adding to the dish's distinctive taste. The combination of spicy chili paste, black bean paste, and the heat from the red chili peppers makes mapo tofu a flavorful and aromatic dish. It is a staple in Sichuan cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide for its bold and complex flavors.
Is Making Mapo Tofu at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mapo tofu recipe is quite high, as it utilizes affordable ingredients like pork loin, tofu, and mushrooms. With a balance of protein and vegetables, it offers a nutritious and budget-friendly option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavors.
Is Mapo Tofu Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mapo tofu recipe contains a mix of healthy and unhealthy ingredients. On the positive side, it includes:
- Tofu, which is a good source of protein and low in calories
- Mushrooms and bamboo shoots, which provide fiber and various nutrients
- Ginger and garlic, known for their anti-inflammatory properties
However, there are some aspects that could be improved:
- The recipe uses vegetable oil and sesame oil, which are high in calories and may contain unhealthy fats
- Pork loin, while a good source of protein, can be high in saturated fat
- The dish includes high-sodium ingredients like soy sauce and black bean paste
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil, and use less overall
- Opt for lean pork or replace it with a leaner protein source like chicken breast or ground turkey
- Reduce the amount of high-sodium ingredients like soy sauce and black bean paste, and use low-sodium versions when possible
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or other nutrient-dense options like bell peppers or bok choy
- Use a reduced amount of cornstarch to minimize the carbohydrate content
- Serve the mapo tofu with a side of steamed brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients
Editor's Take on This Mapo Tofu Recipe
This mapo tofu recipe is a delightful blend of savory and spicy flavors. The combination of pork, mushrooms, and tofu creates a rich and satisfying dish. The use of black bean paste and chili garlic paste adds depth and complexity to the sauce, while the Szechuan peppercorns provide a subtle numbing heat. The recipe's balance of ingredients and cooking techniques results in a dish that is both comforting and exciting. It's a wonderful way to explore the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine.
Enhance Your Mapo Tofu Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Mapo Tofu
Why trust this Mapo Tofu Recipe:
This recipe for Mapo Tofu is a delicious and authentic Sichuan dish that captures the bold and spicy flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine. The combination of pork loin, tofu, and a variety of aromatic spices and sauces such as black bean paste, chili garlic paste, and Szechuan peppercorns creates a rich and complex flavor profile. With carefully selected ingredients and precise cooking instructions, this recipe promises to deliver an irresistible and satisfying dish that will surely impress anyone craving an authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine.
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