Ma Po Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
156 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Ma Po Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
Description
Ma Po Tofu (麻婆豆腐) combines ground pork with soft tofu in a flavorful, spicy sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chili oil. The pork is stir-fried with aromatics and seasonings before a cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce. Finally, soft tofu cubes are gently folded in to preserve their smooth texture, cooking just long enough to heat through. The dish is finished with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
The sauce balances savory, sweet, and chili heat, with the tender tofu providing a creamy contrast to the meaty pork. The cooking method ensures the tofu remains intact, giving a soft, delicate mouthfeel amidst the rich sauce.
Ma Po Tofu is traditionally served with steamed rice to complement its bold flavors and textures. Adjust the amount of chili oil to suit your preferred spice level, using mild or more intense homemade versions.
For softer tofu, handle gently and add it last to prevent breaking. Homemade Sichuan chili oil adds aromatic depth but can be replaced or adjusted according to taste preferences.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 block tofu 19 oz, soft
- 3 ticks green onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons Chili oil (Homemade Sichuan style)
- ½ cup water
THICKEN SAUCE:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Minced 4 cloves of garlic.
- Cut 3 sticks of green onion.
- Cut a block of soft tofu (19 oz) into cubes and set them aside.
- Add ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil into a non-stick pan. After that, turn on the heat to medium high and stir fry minced garlic a little bit.
- Next, add ½ pound of ground pork and stir fry or loose up ground pork.
- The following, add ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of chili oil (homemade), ½ cup of water and keep stir fried until the pork is cooked.
- In a small container, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water.
- After, pour cornstarch mixture with the pork and keep stir frying until the sauce is thickened.
- Lastly, add cut tofu and be gentle. Do not stir too hard because the soft tofu will break easily and cook it for a minute.
- Top with green onion from step 2 and ready to serve.
Notes
- Adjust the chili oil quantity to control spiciness; 1.5 tablespoons suits medium heat levels.
- Soft tofu is preferred for its smooth texture; handle gently to avoid breaking when mixing.
- Use homemade Sichuan chili oil for its aromatic flavor, or substitute with another chili oil if unavailable.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 156 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 156kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 27mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 451mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 128mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 8IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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