Spicy Vegetarian Mapo Tofu: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Looking for a flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this delicious "vegetarian mapo tofu" recipe. Originating from the Sichuan province of China, mapo tofu is a beloved dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. This vegetarian twist on the classic recipe replaces the traditional ground meat with tofu, resulting in a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the doubanjiang and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cubed tofu to the wok and gently stir to coat the tofu with the sauce.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with soy sauce and sugar. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
6. Add the ground Sichuan peppercorns and mix well.
7. Serve the vegetarian mapo tofu over cooked rice and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Cooking Time & Servings:

This vegetarian mapo tofu recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.

Nutritional Information:

Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g

Tips and Tricks:

• For a spicier kick, add more doubanjiang or a dash of chili oil.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or shiitake mushrooms to the dish for added texture and flavor.
• Use mushroom broth instead of vegetable broth for an extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion:

Now that you have the recipe for this delicious vegetarian mapo tofu, it’s time to give it a try in your own kitchen. We’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Enjoy and happy cooking!