Mapo Tofu (Korean-style)
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Servings
2
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Course
Main Course, Others
Mapo Tofu (Korean-style)
Description
This Mapo Tofu starts by stir-frying diced onion, scallions, garlic, and coarse Korean chili flakes in oil to build fragrance. Ground pork is added and cooked until browned. Soy sauce, fermented soybean paste (doenjang), chili paste (gochujang), and sugar create a deep spicy-salty sauce base. Bell peppers or chili pepper add fresh heat and texture.
Water is added to make a simmering broth, then soft tofu cut into cubes is gently incorporated and cooked briefly to absorb flavors without breaking apart. The sauce is thickened at the end with a starch slurry, and sesame oil adds aromatic richness. The final garnish with scallions brightens the presentation. This hearty dish pairs naturally with steamed white rice.
Ingredients
- 1 tofu 14 to 16 ounces, package
- 4 ounces ground pork or beef
- 1/2 onion finely diced, medium
- 2 scallions finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1/4 green bell pepper or 1 green chili pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 red bell pepper or 1 red chili pepper, finely diced
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or chili oil
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru 고추가루, Korean red chili pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon doenjang 된장, Korean fermented soybean paste
- 1/2 tablespoon gochujang 고추장, Korean red chili pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar or add one more teaspoon for a sweeter taste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make starch slurry
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables as specified.
- Cut the tofu into about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick cubes.
- Heat a large pan with 2 tablespoons of oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, 1/2 of the chopped scallion, garlic, and gochugaru, and stir-fry until fragrant, 2 - 3 minutes.
- Add the meat, and cook until the meat is no longer pink, breaking up with a wooden spoon, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce, doenjang, gochujang, and sugar and stir to blend with the meat. Add the bell peppers and cook briefly until slightly softened.
- Add 1-1/2 cups of water to the pan, and bring it to a boil.
- Then, slide the tofu into the pan, gently stirring to spread into a single layer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, gently stirring 2 to 3 times to make sure the tofu doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Gently stir in the starch slurry to thicken the sauce, and then the sesame oil. Cook for another minute or so to bring everything together. Garnish with the remaining scallion, and serve hot with steamed rice.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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