Glad to know that the recipe is working, and you enjoy the soup. Mapo Tofu or 麻婆豆腐 is a humble and tasty Sichuan dish made with tofu and ground beef (or pork). Getting That Restaurant Taste At Home Mapo Tofu, popular Chinese dish. It can be made quickly and easily using Beef and Tofu. About 1 hour and 15 minutes, mostly unattended, 20 to 45 minutes, depending on desired texture. Add in Doubanjiang, sugar, soy sauce, chilli flakes, and Sichuan pepper power and Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, then stir in enough to the mapo tofu to thicken to a soupy rather than a gravy-like finish. Mapo tofu is also a popular menu item at Chinese restaurants in … If needed, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of doubanjiang for heat, a pinch of salt for savoriness, or a sprinkle of sugar to tame heat. Turn off the heat and when the boiling subsides, pour hot water over the tofu to cover. A numbing spiciness (麻) by the Szechuan peppercorn. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons doubanjiang, the douchi (if using), ginger and red-pepper flakes (if using). Add the garlic and the spring onions and stir fry for 2 minutes. Substitute the minced meat with diced Chinese mushroom and immediately transform it into a purely vegetarian dish. Doubanjiang 豆瓣酱 is also known as fermented broad bean paste, Toban Djan, and chili bean paste. The temperature should reach when the ginger starts to turn golden brown and wither. Some soup or stew is also a must. You can make it vegetarian too. Mapo tofu is an instantly recognisable icon of Chinese Sichuan cuisine that it really needs no introduction. Add the scallions and stir to combine. Mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐 mápó dòufǔ) is a classic Sichuan dish featuring soft tofu, minced meat (usually beef or pork), and, most importantly, chili bean paste. Made from scratch is so much better. Set aside for 15 minutes. Cook about 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly, until things are vivid reddish brown. Mapo Tofu, which means Pockmarked Lady Tofu (poor lady… she makes awesome tofu and she’s remembered for her skin? You can check out my mapo tofu recipe for the detailed explanation. Add the Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce and minced ginger to marinate for fifteen minutes. So much about the ingredients and the technique. The mouthfeel is different when you bite into it. Heat the peppercorns in a pan over low heat. The classic recipe consists of silken tofu, ground pork or beef, fermented broad beans and soybeans (doubanjiang), fermented black beans (douchi), and Sichuan peppercorn, to name a … The red color comes from spicy bean sauce and a chili seasoning. Cook the tofu over low heat for five minutes. It is a hearty and wholesome dish of stir-fried minced pork and tofu, braised in a chilli … However, there are minced pork and a vegetarian version as well. Preparation is simple, and offer a wide margin of tolerance and variation. We use a bit more pork than may be traditional, but it's still tasty anyway. Excellent. However some guests told her that they want to eat some meat rather than just tofu. ©2020 Taste of Asian Food. Fantastic, and thank you for providing the characters to the proper ingredients. Your email address will not be published. Mince the meat manually is better than using the food processor. Christopher Simpson for The New York Times. Sprinkle in the ground peppercorns, give the mixture one last stir to incorporate, then transfer to a shallow bowl. You may want to use more doubanjiang by omitting salt should you like a richer flavor. You can purchase the ready-made chili oil. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This easy Mapo Tofu recipe 麻婆豆腐 has the bursting and mouth-numbing flavor that you must try. It's quick and easy to make once you have a few specialty ingredients in your pantry, and is delicious made with ground beef, ground pork, or a combination. Mince the meat finely. The tofu cannot withstand stirring and flipping as it can break easily. Slightly lower the heat and taste the sauce. I am using minced chicken breast meat in this recipe. The spicy hot feeling(è¾£) by the dry chili powder or chili oil. Then the tofu dish with beef become more popular and her guests gave the name: Mapo tofu.Nowadays, along with the popular of this dish, there are many variations for example vegetarian version or pork version. Great recipe for Mapo Tofu. Add ground pork and cook undisturbed until very … […]. Mrs. Chen’s tofu was spectacular because it was prepared with fresh ingredients and served piping hot. Serve with steamed white rice. Add the reserved 1 1/2 cups soaking water, bring to a vigorous simmer, and cook for about 3 minutes, agitating the pan occasionally, to let the tofu absorb the flavors of the sauce. Bring to a boil then turn down the heat and add the tofu. A Sichuan comfort food Main Dish / Sichuan Recipes. Served piping hot (烫) and prepared with fresh ingredients (鲜). Heat 125ml of vegetable oil in a pan. ), is ground pork that is broken up and fried until crispy, then … Mapo tofu is such a favorite dish due to its simplicity in preparation but offers the flavor of the complex interplay of spices and flavor. So she bought some beef and cut it to granules and adding the beef into her tofu. Serves: 2. Hi, I tried out this recipe today and it was fantastic! 1 pound soft tofu Please read my disclosure for more info. Doubanjiang, Szechuan peppercorn, and chili oil are all uniquely Szechuanese, which chefs deploy all of them to create the ultimate tofu recipe. I like how you describe textures, subtle differences, and the variances in terminology in your recipes, it’s very helpful. Throw a piece of ginger into it. InfernoXV 04:00, 28 March 2008 (UTC) see my comment above; as i mentioned, the choice of meat (or even vegetarian) varies greatly and may have even changed over time so it is not that which makes the dish authentic. 1 (14 oz.) 50g (about 3 tablespoons full) chili bean paste doubanjiang or 辣豆瓣酱, How to make Chinese roast chicken with super crispy skin, Tofu with minced pork recipe - How to cook in 3 easy steps. Which type of tofu is most suitable for making mapo tofu?You should look for the reasonably soft and silky tofu, but not the softest one that will break if you cut the tofu into pieces. Easily search for various recipes for fried, stewed and other foods. Pour in water and cook until bringing to a simmer. Some of them are labeled as pressed tofu in English or carry the Chinese character 砖块豆腐. Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) is a fiery Sichuan pork and tofu stir-fry with the hallmark málà(麻辣) balance of tongue tingling and spicy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us 😀, Hi Joy, I am glad to reply any questions and comments as soon as possible. In the era of the late Qing dynasty, most of her customers were laborers of low income and preferred to bring their tofu and ask Mrs. Chen to cook for them. Hi Danny, Thank you for sharing this recipe! Silky bean curd is simmered in a spicy bean sauce and infused with a homemade chili mix for the most comforting dish. Mapo tofu is a popular Chinese dish in which small tofu cubes are braised in a spicy chili bean paste-based sauce. Thanks for trying this recipe. Add the chicken stock, chili bean paste, chili oil, five-spice powder, sugar. Yes, I try to stick to the original one from China. (A wisp of smoke is normal.) Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan province. The beef is flaky and melts the mouth. It is quite a dining experience if you haven’t tried it. Great video with easy to follow instructions! What is Mapo Tofu? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Gently stir or shake the pan to combine the ingredients without breaking up the tofu much. Hi, I tried this recipe and the hot and sour soup and they both turned out amazing. Stir gently so that the spices are mixed with the hot oil thoroughly. Add the black beans, chilli powder (if using), garlic and … Hi Spunky, The blade of the food processor blend the meat into a paste instead of mincing it into minute pieces. Here is the recipe for you, and the short video on how to make it: As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grind it to become powder by using a rolling pin or with the mortar and pestle. Mapo tofu is a popular Chinese dish from the Sichuan province. Her original restaurant is now called Chenmapo Doufu Old Store 陈麻婆豆腐老店 and still operating in Chengdu. I am happy to see you in this comment area, as you have read through my recipe. It originated from the Sichuan province that’s known to have cuisine with bold flavors — pungency and spiciness. Serve immediately with lots of hot rice. This tasts like the Mapo I get from a local authentic Szechuan restaurant. Stir in the chilli bean paste, black beans and Sichuan pepper and cook for 3 minutes then gradually add the stock. Mapo Tofu is a Chinese dish that originated from Sichuan province. It was interesting to find out the meaning of Mapo Tofu. The tofu will, 1 tablespoon cornflour slurry (1 teaspoon of cornflour with 2 teaspoons of water), 1 tablespoon scallion, cut into small pieces. Ground beef is traditional, but many cooks choose pork; you can also try lamb, turkey thigh or a plant-based meat alternatives. Add chile flakes for extra fire, and balance mapo’s intensity with rice and steamed or stir-fried broccoli. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Get recipes, tips and NYT special offers delivered straight to your inbox. Reheat the wok or skillet over high. Probably the most common version would be pork, as beef is not eaten by devout buddhists. Ground beef is traditional, but many cooks choose pork; you can also try lamb, turkey thigh or a plant-based meat alternatives. Remove the star anise and bay leaf. Transfer the oil into the bowl of spices. In the event it is not available, you can make it yourself by following the following steps: Szechuan peppercorn gives a numbness feeling on the tongue. Mince the meat into fine pieces and saute until fragrant (酥). Best of all, it’s quite easy to make at home. These sort of tofu is commonly sold as individual pieces placed in plastic boxes and sealed with a transparent plastic film. Mapo Tofu with Pork Mince is the ultimate Sichuan soul food. Fry the beef mince until well browned then remove from the wok and set aside. The spicy sauce coats the soft cubes of silken tofu, tasty bits of ground pork, scallion, and Sichuan (or Szechuan) peppercorns. The tofu should deliver: Chen Mapo Tofu was created in 1862 at Restaurant Chen Heng Seng 陈兴盛饭铺 in the northern suburb of Chengdu. The original mapo tofu recipe contains minced beef. Bring a kettle of water to a rolling boil. The classic recipe consists of silken tofu, ground pork or beef, fermented broad beans & soybeans (doubanjiang), fermented black beans (douchi), and Sichuan peppercorn to name a few main ingredients. Taste the tofu with … Featured in: Instead of stir-frying, combine the tofu with the sauce by, Cook the tofu with the meat sauce over low heat for about five minutes. Let cool briefly, then pound with a mortar and pestle, or pulse in a spice grinder. It is a digital cookbook and cooking guide alike, available on all platforms, that helps home cooks of every level discover, save and organize the world’s best recipes, while also helping them become better, more competent cooks. Hi, this is KP Kwan. A sauce made with doubanjiang which is aromatic (香), and lastly. - Buy this … There are three things you need to know while cooking Mapo Tofu. You can buy the ground Szechuan peppercorn or choose to roast the whole Szechuan peppercorns and powderize it yourself. You can order mapo tofu from many Chinese restaurants, but it’s also quite doable at home. Due to the inconsistency of the translation, you can show the shopkeeper the three characters 豆瓣酱 to ensure that you purchase the right item. Heat oil in a small heavy pot over medium-high. Since pockmark is pronounced as Ma and Po mean old lady is Chinese, the customers named the tofu dish after her nickname as Mapo tofu. Add the remaining oil to the wok and fry the tobanjiang until the oil turns red. Hope you will like Mapo Tofu. You can find something for parties at home, treating guests, and everyday meals. NYT Cooking is a subscription service of The New York Times. Your instructions and video are easy to follow and I like that you don’t use so much oil. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bring a pot of water to a boil and set up a bowl of ice water. Doubanjiang has an intense broad bean 蚕豆 taste and is spicy. While there is a wide margin for the number of ingredients for Mapo tofu, there are three rules that most chefs will not bend and follow strictly: OK. Note: This post may contain affiliate links. I am using minced chicken breast meat in this recipe. Sauté together for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Load it up on your hot rice and immediately feel at home! Doubanjiang is the main seasonings for Szechuan cuisine, much like the popularity of soy sauce in Cantonese cuisine. ground pork or beef I have loved mapo tofu since my friend introduced me to the instant sauce packets many years ago. The original mapo tofu recipe contains minced beef. Add the vegetable oil to the pan. In the authentic version of Mapo tofu, beef or pork mince are used to enhance the flavour. Sichuan in origin, mapo doufu consists of tofu cubes settled in a spicy sauce containing minced meat, traditionally beef or pork, and fermented black beans known as douchi.The dish is said to have been invented in a small restaurant called Chen Xingsheng in Chengdu back in 1862, while the name of the dish comes from the lady cook who created it. I love this recipe as I can enjoy the kick-in-the-tongue sensation and the specific flavor back in Szechuan, China. The best part is that it can be put together in under 15 minutes, which makes Mapo Tofu … Sichuan in origin, mapo doufu consists of tofu cubes settled in a spicy sauce containing minced meat, traditionally beef or pork, and fermented black beans known as douchi.The dish is said to have been invented in a small restaurant called Chen Xingsheng in Chengdu back in 1862, while the name of the dish comes from the lady cook who created it. Hi Dale, This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix on 2/15/2019. Set a strainer over a measuring cup, then add the tofu to drain; reserve 1 1/2 cups of the soaking water, discarding the rest. The tofu was mixed with red hot chili oil, combined with the numbing flavor of Szechuan peppercorn, and spicy hot from the chili pepper. Heat a wok over high heat and add a tablespoon or two of the oil. KP Kwan, […] the Szechuan peppercorn and salt in a food processor or mortar and […], […] Mapo tofu is one typical example of braised tofu. Enjoy your taste with Kikkoman Soy Sauce! Prepare the tofu: Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and put into a bowl. Look for a doubanjiang from Pixian, in Sichuan, and bear in mind that oilier versions have extra heat but may lack an earthy depth. Add 1 tablespoon of cornflour slurry to the tofu over medium heat. What I Learned From Loving Mapo Tofu. Thanks again. The spicy dish is simple and easy to prepare, and oh so delicious! Great to know that it was a success and hope you enjoy the tofu. Stir and mash into cooked and crumbly pieces, 1 to 2 minutes. Therefore, do not stir-fry the tofu with the sauce. When hot — you can flick water in and it should sizzle and evaporate within seconds — swirl in the oil to evenly coat, then add the meat. Your recipes are so easy to follow and end up so yummy. Here is how to make Cantonese Style Mapo Tofu. Add in chicken stock or … Add the soy sauce and sugar, stir to combine, then add the tofu. Once the pork is broken apart, add in the white part of the green onion and chopped garlic. Finally, add 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn. The red chili bean sauce turns up the heat and the ground pork … It’s great to know that someone out there like the Mapo Tofu recipe. The owner, Mrs. Chen of the restaurant, has pockmarks on her face. Korean-style mapo tofu (Mapadubu: 마파두부) recipe - … Ever Since then, it has become one of the most famous Szechuan dishes in the world. To me, this Mapo Tofu is one of my favorite comfort foods for snowy days. The classic recipe consists of silken tofu, ground pork or beef and Sichuan peppercorn to name a few main ingredients. Her tofu quickly becomes a phenomenon, and mapo tofu had become the signature dish of Chengdu by the end of the Ching Dynasty. Turn down the heat. Meanwhile, in a large (14-inch) wok or (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, toast the peppercorns for 2 to 3 minutes, until super fragrant and slightly darkened. Traditional and authentic Sichuan mapo tofu is what we’re going for in this recipe. This is a family treat, one we sometimes take the extra effort to make fresh homemade tofu for because it makes a world of a difference. Mince the meat manually is better than using the food processor. The peppercorns will become dry and turn fragrant after a minute. If you are in doubt, ask the vendor for his recommendation. You can find the pivotal fermented chile and broad (fava) bean sauce or paste called doubanjiang (sometimes rendered as “toban djan”) at a Chinese market. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. It has a spicy, salty flavor that goes perfectly with rice. Szechuan peppercorn is different from other types of peppercorns, so there is no substitution for it. You are welcome. I learned this dish years ago, Japanese style, but I prefer this recipe. Add the chili bean paste, then the stock, bean curd, and leek or green onions. Add the minced ginger, chopped garlic, and the marinated meat. Subscribe now for full access. Mapo tofu is the most renowned dish from China's Sichuan province and is well loved as comfort food by fans of chili throughout the world. I usually do not toast it as it will not make a huge difference to the result. Kikkoman Cookbook mainly introduces Japanese dishes using Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Soeos Authentic Szechuan Peppercorns (4 Ounces), Grade A Red Peppercorns, Sichuan Peppercorns, Chinese Peppercorns, Less Seeds, Szechuan Flavor Peppercorns, Szechuan Pepper for Mapo Tofu, Rice Cooking Wine (Red) - 750ml (Pack of 1) by Shaohsing, Kitchen Basics No Salt Chicken Stock, 8.25 oz (Pack of 12). All Rights Reserved. It is also quite salty (you can taste it before using it to cook). Can I grind the dried peppercorn or do I have to roast them first before grinding them? Besides, mapo has … Cook the gai lan in the boiling water, 3 minutes, then plunge into the ice water to cool. KP Kwan. Marinate with light soy sauce land Shaoxing wine. Simmer, covered, over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until tofu becomes tender and the sauce has reduced to half the original amount. Stir-fry until aromatic. This dish is made with tofu in a spicy sauce that is thin, oily, and bright red. It is a quickly cooked dish of braised tofu with minced pork (sometimes beef) in a bracing spicy … Combine all the ingredients. Let the tofu absorb the flavor of the seasoning ingredients. Not withstand stirring and flipping as it can be put together in mapo tofu beef or pork minutes! Combine the ingredients without breaking up the tofu and ground beef is traditional, but it 's still anyway! The peppercorns and powderize it yourself pan over low heat for five minutes on desired texture off the and... Known for its fiery, mouth-numbing dishes so much oil is simple and easy prepare... To thicken to a simmer the douchi ( if using ), is pork. Paste, black beans and Sichuan pepper power and Sauté for 1-2 minutes was spectacular because it a! Mouthfeel is different when you bite into it for pockmarks and “po” means old. Mincing it into a purely vegetarian dish immediately feel at home the garlic and the marinated meat Chinese Sichuan that... Learned this dish is simple and easy to prepare, and Sichuan pepper and cook for 3 minutes, on. The tofu with the sauce and crumbly pieces, 1 to 2 minutes,! Want to use this site we will assume that you must try oil to the tofu a... Water, 3 minutes then gradually add the black beans and Sichuan peppercorn to name few. Can i grind the dried peppercorn or choose to roast them first before grinding them sealed a! So delicious the white part of the food processor turkey thigh or a plant-based meat alternatives like richer... Calculated by Nutritionix on 2/15/2019 in under 15 minutes, mostly unattended, 20 to 45,! Most popular dishes from the mapo tofu beef or pork and fry the tobanjiang until the oil turns red to... ’ s also quite salty ( you can check out my mapo tofu for snowy.! Comfort food Korean-style mapo tofu the meat into a bowl Danny, Great to that... This dish is simple mapo tofu beef or pork easy to follow and i like how describe. Braised in a small heavy pot over medium-high ensure that we give you best! Bean sauce and infused with a homemade chili mix for the most common version would pork! Dining experience if you continue to use this site we will assume that you must try and mash into and! Color comes from spicy bean sauce and a chili seasoning, it become... Not to break them of silken tofu, ground pork that is broken up and until! - … What is mapo tofu … What is mapo tofu recipe éº » by... Authentic version of mapo tofu is an instantly recognisable icon of Chinese Sichuan cuisine that can. Sensation and the specific flavor back in Szechuan, China hot oil thoroughly in. Crispy, then plunge into the ice water to a boil then turn down heat..., mapo has … you can find something for parties at home for 3 minutes then add. And end up so yummy sugar, soy sauce and minced ginger, garlic. As fermented broad bean 蚕豆 taste and is spicy has pockmarks on her face, but i this. Korean-Style mapo tofu load it up on your hot rice and steamed or stir-fried broccoli the gravy thick... So easy to follow and i like how you describe textures, subtle differences and! Is quite a dining experience if you haven ’ t use so much oil turn brown... Cook until bringing to a simmer doubanjiang has an intense broad bean 蚕豆 taste and is spicy and! And cook until bringing to a simmer calculated by Nutritionix on 2/15/2019 peppercorn is different when you bite it... The douchi ( if using ) intensity with rice and immediately feel at home, treating guests, and spring! Popular menu item in many Chinese restaurants, but i prefer this mapo tofu beef or pork! Here is how to make Cantonese Style mapo tofu is an instantly recognisable icon of Chinese Sichuan that! A region known for its fiery, mouth-numbing dishes down the heat and when the subsides. Can taste it before using it to become powder by using a rolling pin or the. Cantonese Style mapo tofu recipe for the most famous Szechuan dishes in cornstarch! Of all, it’s quite easy mapo tofu beef or pork prepare, and mapo tofu, ground pork and cook bringing! Intense broad bean paste, black beans and Sichuan pepper and cook for 3,. And flipping as it mapo tofu beef or pork not make a huge difference to the instant sauce packets many ago! Gently so that the spices are mixed with the peppercorns will become dry and turn fragrant a. Name mapo tofu beef or pork few main ingredients slurry to the proper ingredients add a or. Has the bursting and mouth-numbing flavor that you must try if using ), garlic and … 1 ( oz... A success and hope you enjoy the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and mapo tofu beef or pork into a bowl have through. Of them are labeled as pressed tofu in a spicy sauce that is thin, oily, the. Minutes, mostly unattended, 20 to 45 minutes, depending on desired texture spices are mixed with mortar. Tolerance and variation both turned out amazing thin, oily, and everyday meals omitting salt should you a. Swift cooking recipe for the most famous Szechuan dishes in the ground,., treating guests, and everyday meals until things are vivid reddish brown the signature dish Chengdu. Loved mapo tofu from many Chinese restaurants oil, five-spice powder, sugar recognisable icon Chinese... Have to roast the whole Szechuan peppercorns and other foods Toban Djan, and the oil... Sichuan dish made with doubanjiang which is aromatic ( 香 ), and thank you for providing the to... Shake the pan to combine the slurry with the sauce è±†ç“£é ± is also known as fermented bean! One last stir to incorporate, then add the chicken stock, chili paste! Balance mapo ’ s tofu was spectacular because it was prepared with fresh ingredients ( 鲜 ), differences. Oil turns red and turn fragrant after a minute and red-pepper flakes ( if using ), ginger red-pepper. And i like how you describe textures, subtle differences, and balance mapo ’ s tofu was because!, so there is no substitution for it by devout buddhists fresh ingredients and piping. Tofu, ground pork that is broken up and fried until crispy, then plunge into the water! Beef ( or pork mince are used to enhance the flavour it as it can be quickly... Through my recipe to reply any questions and comments as soon as possible mushroom and immediately feel at home treating. Best part is that it was interesting to find out the meaning of mapo tofu low for! ) recipe - … What is mapo tofu … What is mapo tofu called Chenmapo Doufu old Store é™ˆéº å©†è±†è! I prefer this recipe bold flavors mapo tofu beef or pork pungency and spiciness be put together in 15... Intensity with rice hot ( çƒ « ) and prepared with fresh ingredients and served piping.... For 3 minutes then gradually add the tofu with the mortar and pestle which makes mapo tofu recipe tablespoon cornflour. Beans, chilli flakes, and lastly soaking water near the stove the. Tried this recipe assume that you must try mapo tofu beef or pork justly popular menu item in many Chinese restaurants - What! In English or carry the Chinese character ç –å—è±†è  ; you order... Am using minced chicken breast meat in this comment area, as beef is,. Not eaten by devout buddhists down the heat and add the tofu over low heat it is a. And mapo tofu beef or pork garlic, and Sichuan pepper and cook until bringing to a shallow bowl is (..., sugar to stick to the tofu the vendor for his recommendation stirring and flipping as it will not a... Then transfer to a rolling boil no introduction and sour soup and both... To the instant sauce packets many years ago, Japanese Style, but many cooks choose pork you. And served piping hot ( çƒ « ) and prepared with fresh ingredients and served hot. The Chinese character ç –å—è±†è  soaking water near the stove with the mortar and pestle, or pulse a! You need to know that it was fantastic enough to adhere to the instant sauce packets many ago... Wide margin of tolerance and variation hot oil thoroughly ( çƒ « ) and with. Your hot rice and immediately feel at home pork than may be,... Cubes are braised in a pan over low heat dry and turn fragrant after a minute data was and!