Mapo tofu is a Chinese dish made with tofu and ground meat in a spicy bean sauce. I first made mapo tofu a few months ago and it quickly became one of my favorite dishes. This recipe is easy to make and super tasty. I really like the flavour of the fermented black bean sauce. You can make this dish as spicy as you want by adding or removing chili sauce. The tofu adds a nice contrasting texture and it seems to be almost cool and refreshing compared to the spiciness of the rest of the dish.
Mapo Tofu
ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon black bean sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (such as sambal oelek)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons chicken stock
- 1 pound firm tofu (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
- 1 bunch green onions (chopped)
directions
- Brown pork in an pan and drain fat.
- Heat the oil in the pan.
- Add the garlic and ginger and saute in the oil for a minute.
- Add black bean paste, chili sauce, soy sauce, and chicken stock and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning.
- Add the tofu and cook until the tofu is warm. (Stir gently so as to not break the tofu.)
- Serve and garnish with green onion.
Your tofu looks so nice!!! My daugther wants some tofu (she is veggi) I will try this.
You know, I don’t do much with tofu, but have had it at restaurants and I do like it when prepared correctly (with lots of flavor). This looks like something that I would like. Thanks for posting!
One of my favs! Always turn to this when I run out of recipes to cook 😛
I used soft silken tofu most of the times though. More silky texture that you can practically spoon lots of it on steamed rice. Oh so yummy!
LOVE Mapo Tofu! Yours looks delicious!
I’ve not had mapo tofu for a long time. I think it will be on my dinner menu soon! Some people make it with firm tofu and others make it with softer fresh tofu (packed in water). I like both versions.
Forgot to mention that you have been tagged 🙂 More information over here:
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I’m not a huge fan of tofu, but it is one of those ingredients that acts like a chameleon. This is my favorite way w/ it – love the textures and spices. Black bean sauce is a nice addition.
oh my! this is one of my favorite chinese dishes but i have never come across a recipe (granted, i never looked!). thank you! i can’t wait to try this 🙂
Damn,I love that stuff. I think I am going to have to make some soon too.
As I’ve been left fat, bloated and gross from my eating/drinking fest in Madrid (and the holiday binge-fest), this looks like an excellent veggie meal during my detox week. I’ve been looking for some decent-looking tofu recipes!! Like your blog… thanks for the inspiration. Amy @ neverfull.wordpress.com