Spicy Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Flavorful Chinese Classic

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've likely heard of the famous Sichuan dish, Mapo Tofu. This spicy and flavorful dish is made with soft tofu, ground pork, and a variety of Sichuan spices that create a perfect balance of heat and umami flavors. Follow this recipe to create your own delicious Mapo Tofu at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of soft tofu (14 oz)
• 1/2 lb of ground pork
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons of Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 2 tablespoons of chili bean sauce
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Use paper towels to gently press the tofu and remove excess water. Cut the tofu into small cubes and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Stir fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
3. Add the ground pork and break it up with a spatula. Cook until the pork is no longer pink.
4. Add the chili bean sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add the cubed tofu and gently stir to coat the tofu with the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Add the chopped green onions and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips:

• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground pork and use mushrooms instead.
• You can adjust the spiciness according to your taste by adding more or less chili bean sauce and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.