Spicy Mapo Tofu Recipe – Quick And Easy To Make

I remember the first time I tasted Mapo Tofu – it was love at first bite! I had never tasted anything like it before and it quickly became one of my favorite dishes. With its perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors, Mapo Tofu is simply divine. I’m excited to share my recipe with you so you can experience the same amazing flavors I did the first time I tasted it.

Mapo Tofu Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb extra firm tofu
• 2 tsp vegetable or canola oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fermented black beans
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 2 tsp chili oil (optional)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

• Mapo Tofu
• Let’s get cookin’! Here’s what you’ll need:
• Ingredients:
• ½ lb extra firm tofu
• tsp vegetable or canola oil
• cloves garlic, minced
• tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
• tsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• ½ cup chicken broth
• tbsp fermented black beans
• tsp soy sauce
• tsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup chopped scallions
• tsp chili oil (optional)
• ¼ cup water
• Time: 20 minutes Prep, 15 minutes Cook, 5 minutes Additional Time
• Instructions:
• Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add in the minced garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add in the chicken broth, fermented black beans, soy sauce, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and chili oil (if using).
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the tofu, stirring gently to combine.
• Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
• Add the scallions and ¼ cup of water and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Serve the Mapo Tofu over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 11g
• Sodium: 790mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

What is the origin of mapo tofu and what makes it so popular?

Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish that originates from the Sichuan region of China. It is a spicy, savory dish made with tofu and a mixture of fermented broad bean paste, toasted sesame oil, and chili peppers. Mapo Tofu has become a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine due to its unique flavor and texture, as well as its ability to be cooked quickly and easily.

The exact origins of Mapo Tofu are debatable, but some believe it was invented by a woman named Chen Mapo in the early 19th century in the Sichuan province. Legend has it that Chen Mapo was too poor to afford meat, so she created a version of the dish with tofu instead. The dish quickly became popular among the locals, and the rest is history!

What makes Mapo Tofu so delicious and popular is its unique blend of spicy and savory flavors. The fermented broad bean paste, toasted sesame oil, and chili peppers work together to create a complex and flavorful dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Additionally, the dish is incredibly versatile, so it can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

In conclusion, Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish that is said to have originated from the Sichuan region. Its unique blend of flavors and textures make it a delicious and comforting dish that can be adapted to different tastes.

What are some health benefits of eating mapo tofu?

Mapo Tofu is a delicious, spicy Chinese dish that packs a flavorful punch! But did you know it also offers some amazing health benefits? Here’s why you should consider adding it to your regular diet:

• Heart Health: Mapo Tofu contains garlic, which is a great source of antioxidants that can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Anti-Inflammatory: The tofu in Mapo Tofu is high in protein, and the fermented bean paste is rich in probiotics, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Immune Booster: The chili pepper in Mapo Tofu contains Vitamin C, which helps to support the immune system.
• Digestive Health: The probiotics in the fermented bean paste can help promote better digestion, reduce bloating, and relieve constipation.
• Bone Health: The tofu in Mapo Tofu is high in calcium, which helps to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.

What ingredients are necessary to make mapo tofu?

Mapo tofu is a classic Chinese dish that is simple to make but packed with flavor. The key ingredients you need to make mapo tofu are tofu, ground beef, Sichuan peppercorns, Shaoxing rice wine, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili bean paste, and cornstarch.

Tofu is the star of the dish, so choose a block of firm or extra-firm tofu that you’ll cut into cubes. Ground beef and Sichuan peppercorns add a nice depth of flavor, while Shaoxing rice wine and soy sauce are essential for a savory flavor. Finely chopped garlic and ginger add a bit of zing, and chili bean paste and cornstarch are necessary for the signature spicy and thick sauce.

Once you have all of these ingredients assembled, you’re ready to make your mapo tofu! Stir-frying the beef with the Sichuan peppercorns and aromatics is the first step, followed by adding the tofu and chili bean paste. Stir in the Shaoxing rice wine and soy sauce, then thicken the sauce with the cornstarch.

What are the key steps to making mapo tofu?

Mapo Tofu is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. If you’ve ever wanted to try making this crowd favorite, here are the key steps you need to know.

First, you’ll need to gather up the ingredients, which include ground pork or beef, tofu, chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, green onions, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

Next, stir-fry the ground meat in a hot wok or skillet until it’s browned. Then add the chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, and green onions and stir-fry for a few minutes.

After that, add the tofu and Shaoxing wine to the mixture and simmer for around five minutes. Finally, add the soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.

And that’s it! Your Mapo Tofu is ready to be served.

What other ingredients can be added to give mapo tofu a unique flavor?

When it comes to giving Mapo Tofu a unique flavor, the possibilities are endless! From adding extra spices like Sichuan peppercorns or chili flakes, to adding a splash of soy sauce or a hint of sweetness with a bit of sugar, the combinations are endless. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, or even add some diced veggies like bell peppers or bok choy. If you want to add a bit of protein, you can always toss in some extra tofu, or even some ground beef or pork. Additionally, you can give your Mapo Tofu a more complex flavor by adding some fermented black beans or dried shrimp. No matter what ingredients you choose, you can be sure that your Mapo Tofu will be packed with flavor.

What are some creative ways to serve mapo tofu?

There are so many delicious ways to serve mapo tofu! Whether you’re a fan of classic Chinese flavors or you’re looking to mix things up and try something new, there are plenty of creative twists to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite ideas for serving mapo tofu:

• Mapo Tofu with Noodles: Add a twist to your favorite noodle dish by adding in some mapo tofu! The spiciness of the tofu pairs perfectly with the softness of the noodles and the flavors are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
• Mapo Tofu Sliders: Who doesn’t love a good slider? The spiciness of the mapo tofu is balanced out with the sweetness of the buns, making a delicious and unique sandwich.
• Mapo Tofu Fried Rice: Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish, and adding in some mapo tofu takes it up a notch. This dish is great for a quick and delicious dinner.
• Mapo Tofu Soup: Nothing is cozier than a bowl of soup, and mapo tofu soup is the perfect way to warm up on a cold night. The silky tofu and the fragrant spices make this a surefire hit.
• Mapo Tofu Tacos: Looking for a unique way to serve tacos? Mapo tofu tacos are the perfect combination of Mexican and Chinese flavors. The spicy tofu and flavorful toppings make this a definite crowd-pleaser.

No matter how you decide to serve mapo tofu, it’s sure to be a hit.