Chinese-style Mapo Tofu

Chinese-style Mapo Tofu is a spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish that is loved by many. This dish is made with soft tofu, ground pork, and a spicy sauce that is made with Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, and soy sauce. It is a perfect dish for those who love spicy food and want to try something new.

Ingredients:

- 1 block of soft tofu (cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 pound of ground pork
- 2 tablespoons of chili bean paste
- 1 tablespoon of Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

Serves: 4

Cooking Tips:

- Use soft tofu for this dish as it has a better texture and absorbs the sauce well.
- Use Sichuan peppercorns for an authentic flavor. If you can't find them, you can use regular black peppercorns.
- Adjust the amount of chili bean paste according to your spice tolerance.
- Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth and soy sauce and bring to a boil.
5. Add the cubed tofu and gently stir to coat it with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add it to the wok and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the chopped green onions and sesame oil and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Appearance and Taste:
Chinese-style Mapo Tofu is a vibrant and colorful dish with soft tofu cubes coated in a spicy and savory sauce. The ground pork adds a meaty texture to the dish, while the Sichuan peppercorns give it a unique and numbing flavor. The dish has a perfect balance of spiciness and saltiness, making it a perfect comfort food for those who love spicy food.
Type of Dish: Spicy Tofu
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Ground Pork, Chili Bean Paste