Homemade Mapo Tofu Recipe: Authentic Sichuan Spicy Tofu Made Easy

Introduction

Mapo Tofu is a celebrated dish from Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold, spicy flavors and comforting texture. This popular dish features soft tofu simmered in a spicy, savory sauce made with ground pork, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili bean paste. Despite its reputation for heat, the dish achieves a delicate balance of spice, numbing sensation, and umami that makes it irresistible. Making Mapo Tofu at home allows you to customize the spice level and enjoy this classic dish with authentic flavors right from your kitchen. Follow this recipe to create a delicious Mapo Tofu that’s both easy and authentic.

Ingredients

To prepare Homemade Mapo Tofu, you’ll need:

• Firm tofu (14 ounces): Cut into bite-sized cubes. Firm tofu holds its shape well during cooking.
• Ground pork (1/2 pound): Adds richness and texture to the dish.
• Sichuan peppercorns (1 teaspoon): Provides a unique numbing spice characteristic of Sichuan cuisine.
• Chili bean paste (Doubanjiang) (2 tablespoons): The key ingredient for a spicy, savory sauce.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and umami.
• Rice wine or dry sherry (2 tablespoons): Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Used to simmer the tofu and create the sauce.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Minced.
• Ginger (1 tablespoon): Freshly grated or minced.
• Green onions (2 stalks): Chopped, for garnish.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Mixed with water to create a slurry for thickening.
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For stir-frying.
• Salt and sugar (to taste): To balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu
   • Drain and Cut Tofu: Drain the tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes. To remove excess moisture, you can gently press the tofu between paper towels.
   • Blanch the Tofu (Optional): For a firmer texture, briefly blanch the tofu in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   • Toast Sichuan Peppercorns: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant. Crush them lightly using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
   • Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chili bean paste, soy sauce, rice wine, and chicken broth. Stir well and set aside.
3. Cook the Pork
   • Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the Pork: Add the ground pork to the hot oil and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Sauce and Tofu
   • Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the pork and stir to combine.
   • Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
   • Add Tofu: Gently add the tofu cubes to the pan, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the tofu. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce
   • Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
   • Add the Slurry: Stir the slurry into the pan and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Finish and Serve
   • Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar as needed.
   • Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top of the Mapo Tofu.
   • Serve: Serve the Mapo Tofu hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Adjust Spice Level: The amount of chili bean paste can be adjusted based on your spice preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and add more if you prefer extra spiciness.
• Texture Matters: For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground pork and ground beef, or adjust the ratio to your liking.
• Handle Tofu Gently: Tofu is delicate, so stir gently to avoid breaking the cubes.

Conclusion

Making Mapo Tofu at home is a fantastic way to enjoy the authentic flavors of Sichuan cuisine with the added benefit of customizing the spice level to your preference. With its spicy, numbing, and savory sauce enveloping tender tofu, this dish is a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, Homemade Mapo Tofu is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying heat. Enjoy this classic Sichuan dish as part of a vibrant Chinese meal or as a standout main course on its own.