Title: Authentic and Delicious Ma Po Tofu Recipe
Introduction: Ma po tofu is a classic Sichuan dish known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. This dish originated from the Sichuan province in China and has gained popularity worldwide for its unique combination of soft tofu, ground pork, and a spicy, aromatic sauce. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make an authentic and mouthwatering ma po tofu that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients List:
- 1 block (14 oz) soft tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Steamed rice, for serving
Preparation Steps:
- In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the ground pork to the wok and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Stir in the doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Gently add the tofu cubes into the wok, being careful not to break them. Let the tofu simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and sugar, and gently mix everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the ma po tofu hot over steamed rice and garnish with extra green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time & Servings: This ma po tofu recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook, and it serves 4.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Tips and Tricks:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with minced mushrooms or crumbled firm tofu.
- Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less Sichuan peppercorns and doubanjiang.
- Make sure to use soft tofu for an authentic texture, but firm tofu can also be used if preferred.
Conclusion: Try making this delicious and authentic ma po tofu at home for a flavorful and satisfying meal. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations, so feel free to share your version of the recipe on social media and tag me. Enjoy!
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