Ma Po Tofu

Name: Ma Po Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 blocks soft tofu (14 oz blocks), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 lb ground pork; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan spicy bean paste); 1 tbsp douchi (fermented black beans), rinsed and chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 6 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated; 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground; 1 tbsp Sichuan chili oil; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp sesame oil; 4 cups steamed white rice, for serving

A classic Sichuan dish featuring soft tofu cubes in a spicy, aromatic sauce with minced pork, fermented black beans, and Sichuan peppercorns. This numbing and spicy dinner is served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

35 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopStandardDairy-Free

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Ingredients

2 blocks soft tofu (14 oz blocks), cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 lb ground pork
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan spicy bean paste)
1 tbsp douchi (fermented black beans), rinsed and chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
6 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
1 tbsp Sichuan chili oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water
1 tsp sesame oil
4 cups steamed white rice, for serving

Instructions

1

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 2 blocks cut into 1-inch cubes soft tofu (14 oz blocks) and gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to firm it up slightly. Carefully drain and set aside.
2

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
3

Add 1/2 lb ground pork and stir-fry until it's no longer pink and starting to brown, about 2-3 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces.
4

Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan spicy bean paste), 1 tbsp rinsed and chopped douchi (fermented black beans), 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and white parts of the 6 chopped, white and green parts separated green onions. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5

Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a simmer.
6

Carefully add the drained tofu cubes to the wok, gently folding them into the sauce rather than stirring to avoid breaking them.
7

Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
8

Stir in 1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water cornstarch and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
9

Remove from heat and stir in half of 1 tsp toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp Sichuan chili oil, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
10

Serve hot over 4 cups for serving steamed white rice, garnished with the green parts of the green onions and the remaining Sichuan peppercorns.

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Questions

How do I know when Ma Po Tofu is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 8: cook until the sauce thickens.

What can I use instead of doubanjiang in Ma Po Tofu?

The entry for Ma Po Tofu calls for 2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan spicy bean paste). In its place: Use gochujang or a chili-garlic sauce with a spoonful of miso stirred in for the fermented bean depth.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork in Ma Po Tofu?

Yes. Use dark-meat ground chicken or turkey if you can, and add a teaspoon of oil per half pound, since pork brings fat that poultry does not. As written, the entry for Ma Po Tofu uses 1/2 lb ground pork.

Is Ma Po Tofu spicy?

Yes, it is properly hot. The heat in Ma Po Tofu comes from 2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan spicy bean paste) and 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground. For a milder plate, start with half the bean paste and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Ma Po Tofu contain sesame?

Yes: 1 tsp sesame oil. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, soy and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli with Garlic side
Celery and Peanut Salad salad
Sweet and Sour Sauce sauce
Winter Melon and Goji Tea drink

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