Ingredients:
- Salt to taste 🧂
- 400g firm tofu, cut into cubes 🍲
- 200g ground pork 🥩
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil 🛢️
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced 🥕
- 2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste) 🌶️
- 1 tbsp soy sauce 🥢
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar 🍶
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 🍜
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 🍲
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water 🌽
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions 🧅
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional) 🌶️
Ingredients:
1: Prepare the Tofu 🍲
- Drain the tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes. To remove excess moisture, gently pat the tofu with paper towels.
2: Cook the Pork 🔥
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics 🧄
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4: Add the Sauce Ingredients 🍲
- Add 2 tablespoons of doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste) to the pan and cook for another minute to release its flavors. Then, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Stir to combine.
5: Simmer the Tofu 🥕
- Return the cooked pork to the pan, and gently add the tofu cubes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
6: Thicken the Sauce 🌽
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
7: Garnish and Serve 🧅
- Add chopped green onions and, if using, Sichuan peppercorns for a bit of extra flavor. Serve the Ma Po Tofu hot with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Dive into the rich and spicy flavors of Ma Po Tofu! This classic Sichuan dish features silky tofu simmered in a savory, spicy sauce with ground pork. Perfect for a comforting meal, it's both delicious and easy to make. Let’s get cooking!
