15 Minute Authentic MAPO TOFU For your Busy WEEKNIGHT DINNER!

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.

Slice green onions and set aside.

Smash 2 cloves of garlic and finely chop them.

Grate a small knob of ginger, about 1 teaspoon.

Cut bell peppers into small pieces.

Pat dry 300 grams of firm tofu with paper towels and cut into cubes.

In a small container, mix 1 tablespoon of Chinese chili bean paste, 0.5 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of MSG.

In another container, mix 1 cup of water with 0.5 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder and stir.

Blanch the cubed tofu in salted water for about 2 minutes to firm it up, then set aside.

In a wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1.5 tablespoons of chili oil over medium heat.

Add 130 grams of ground pork and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.

Once the pork is no longer pink, add the sliced green onions, garlic, and ginger; stir for about 30 seconds.

Increase the heat to high, add the sauce mixture, and mix for about 1 minute.

Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, being careful not to overcook them.

Pour in the chicken stock mixture and stir; once it starts to boil, gently add the tofu and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, mixing gently to avoid breaking the tofu.

Add 0.5 tablespoon of toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns and 0.5 teaspoon of Chinese black vinegar; mix well.

Thicken the sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry and stirring until the sauce thickens.

Turn off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil; mix well before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens