Mapo Tofu, the Authentic Way (麻婆豆腐)
User Reviews
5.0
354 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
8 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
584 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Mapo Tofu, the Authentic Way (麻婆豆腐)
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Tender tofu cooked in an aromatic and spicy sauce, accompanied by minced meat. This recipe shows you how to make Mapo tofu the authentic way.
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Ingredients
For the tofu
- 600 g regular tofu soft or medium firm (see note 1)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 100 g minced beef or pork
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoon Sichuan chilli bean paste see note 2
- 1 tablespoon fermented black beans rinsed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground chilli or chilli flakes (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
- 400 ml water or unsalted stock
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
You also need
- ½ teaspoon ground Sichuan pepper or to taste
- 1 talk scallions finely chopped
Instructions
Blanch
- Cut the tofu into 2.5cm/1 inch cubes. Gently slide them into a wok/pot filled with water. Add the salt. Bring the water to a boil then simmer for 1 minute. Drain the tofu and set it aside.
Fry
- Heat up an empty wok until hot then add the oil. Put in minced meat, along with minced ginger. Stir fry over high heat until the meat becomes pale.
- Add Sichuan chilli bean paste, fermented black beans, chilli powder/flakes and minced garlic. Fry until fragrant.
Braise
- Pour in Shaoxing rice wine and 400ml (1¾ cup) of water or unsalted stock. Bring to a boil then gently slide in the tofu. Leave to boil for about 5 minutes (uncovered).
- Turn the heat down to medium. Add half of the cornstarch water mixture (make sure to stir it well beforehand). Leave to simmer for 10 seconds or so, then pour in the remaining half.
- Once the sauce becomes just thick enough to coat the spatula, add ground Sichuan pepper and chopped scallions. Give everything a gentle mix then turn off the heat immediately. Serve it hot with plain steamed rice.
Notes
- Classic Mapo tofu calls for regular tofu which comes in pressed blocks and is usually soaked in water. Silken tofu (绢豆腐), a type of unpressed tofu that coagulates directly in its container, isn’t a traditional choice but acceptable as a substitute. In this case, choose medium-firm or firm silken tofu and avoid the soft version.
- Silken tofu (绢豆腐), a type of unpressed tofu that coagulates directly in its container, isn’t a traditional choice but acceptable as a substitute. In this case, choose medium-firm or firm silken tofu and avoid the soft version.
- Different brands of Sichuan chilli bean paste (aka spicy doubanjiang) may vary in saltiness, spiciness and texture. Adjust the quantity accordingly. I always use Pixian Douban (郫县豆瓣), a well-known variety, for this dish.
- In terms of the level of hotness and numbing sensation, this recipe is not adapted for non-Sichuanese tastes. You might find it too pungent if you are not accustomed to it. Please feel free to alter the quantity of ground chilli (chilli flakes) and ground Sichuan pepper. You may also add a little sugar to balance the spiciness as well as the saltiness.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1serving
Calories
584kcal
(29%)
Carbohydrates
16g
(5%)
Protein
40g
(80%)
Fat
40g
(62%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
12g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
36mg
(12%)
Sodium
1164mg
(49%)
Potassium
278mg
(8%)
Fiber
8g
(32%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
1246IU
(25%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
396mg
(40%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 584 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 584kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 1164mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 278mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1246IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 396mg | 40% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
354 reviews
Excellent
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