Sichuan Mapo Tofu

Jan 11 2023

Learn how to make mapo tofu, or Dofu, a spicy Sichuan (Szechuan) dish, with this recipe that uses marinated pork, mashed black beans, and bean curd.

Ingredients

1 ½
tablespoons tapioca starch (can substitute cornstarch)
2
tablespoons soy sauce
¼
pound ground pork
1
pound regular tofu (medium firmness)
1
leek (or 3 green onions )
¼
teaspoon salt
1
teaspoon Chinese salted black beans ( fermented black beans , also called Chinese black beans; or to taste)
1
tablespoon chili bean paste (or to taste)
3
tablespoons stock (chicken broth)
1
tablespoon cornstarch
2
tablespoons water
2
tablespoons light soy sauce
1
dash Szechuan pepper (or to taste)
2
to 3 tablespoons oil (for stir-frying, as needed)

Step 1
Gather the ingredients.
Step 2
Mix the tapioca starch and the soy sauce together.
Step 3
Marinate pork for about 20 minutes.
Step 4
Cut the tofu ( bean curd ) into 1/2-inch square cubes, and blanch (drop into boiling water) for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5
Remove from boiling water and drain.
Step 6
Chop leek or green onions into short lengths.
Step 7
Heat wok and add oil. When the oil is ready, add the marinated pork. Stir-fry pork until the color darkens. Add salt and stir.
Step 8
Add the salted black beans. Mash the beans with a cooking ladle until they blend in well with the meat.
Step 9
Add the chili bean paste, then the stock, bean curd, and leek or green onions. Turn down the heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 10
While cooking, mix cornstarch , water, and soy sauce together. Add to wok and stir gently.
Step 11
Serve with freshly ground Szechuan pepper and enjoy!