VEGAN MAPO TOFU RECIPE | Mary's Test Kitchen

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

doubanjiang

🥗Healthier: chili paste

💰Cheaper: sriracha

Chili paste can replicate the heat with less complexity.

Sichuan peppercorns

💰Cheaper: black pepper

Black pepper provides spice but lacks the unique numbing effect.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while water is a budget-friendly option.

Start by introducing the dish and its significance in Sichuan cuisine.

Gather fermented broad bean paste (doubanjiang) and fermented black beans (dòuchǐ) from an Asian store or online.

Chop the fermented broad bean paste finely to avoid large chunks in the dish.

Chop the fermented black beans finely as well.

Toast whole Sichuan peppercorns in a hot pan for less than 30 seconds until fragrant, then grind them.

Cut silken tofu into large bite-sized chunks and simmer in water with salt to firm it up, then drain and set aside.

Use a ground beef alternative in place of pork; brown it in a wok until heated through and slightly colored, then set aside.

Scrub out the wok if anything stuck, then add doubanjiang to the wok and fry over low heat for about half a minute.

Add minced garlic, ginger, scallion whites, chopped fermented black beans, and ground Sichuan peppercorns to the wok; let it sizzle.

Add the drained tofu and enough water to almost submerge it, then add the browned ground beef alternative or mushrooms.

Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, gently stirring to avoid breaking the tofu.

Add chili oil for heat, adjusting to taste, and simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.

Add the dark green parts of the scallions for freshness and color.

Taste the dish and adjust saltiness and heat as needed, adding more water if it's too salty.

Add a bit of brown sugar to balance the spice, then mix cornstarch with water to thicken the sauce slightly.

Once bubbling, the dish is ready to serve over rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens