How to Make Mapo Tofu

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.

Cut soft tofu into half-inch pieces carefully to avoid breaking it.

Transfer the tofu to a bowl.

Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the bowl with tofu.

Smash the white parts of 12 scallions with the side of a knife to tenderize them, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

Cover the bowl and microwave for 5-7 minutes until steaming hot.

Toast Sichuan peppercorns in the microwave for 30 seconds until aromatic, then grind them in a spice grinder.

In a food processor, combine 9 cloves of garlic, 1/3 cup of broad bean chili paste, a 3-inch piece of ginger cut into coins, and 1 tablespoon of fermented black beans; blend into a coarse paste.

Add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of Sichuan chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground Sichuan peppercorns to the food processor; blend until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

Transfer the spice paste to a bowl.

In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and add 3 ounces of ground beef; cook until it starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the browned beef back to the bowl.

Add another tablespoon of oil to the saucepan and return it to medium heat.

Add the spice paste to the saucepan, scraping up any fond from the bottom; cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil separates from the paste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens