Easy Homemade Mapo Tofu: A Spicy Chinese Delight

This Mapo Tofu is a classic Chinese dish known for its spiciness. This recipe ensures that you will savor the rich flavors of Szechuan cuisine in just a few minutes. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking and enjoy a delightful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of soft tofu (about 400 grams), cut into small cubes
• 150 grams of ground pork or beef
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
• 2 tablespoons la doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste, optional, adjust for desired spiciness)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup of water or chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 1 cup of green peas or snap peas (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup of chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a pan and add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
2. Add the ground pork (or beef) and cook until it changes color.
3. Stir in the doubanjiang and la doubanjiang (if using) and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Pour in the water or broth and bring it to a boil.
5. Add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
6. Add the cubed tofu to the hot sauce, gently stirring to avoid breaking the tofu. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the tofu is soft, and the sauce thickens.
7. If you prefer more spiciness, adjust by adding more la doubanjiang according to your taste.
8. If using green peas or snap peas, add them and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they become tender.
9. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top in the pan or in individual bowls before serving.

This Mapo Tofu is incredibly delicious with its rich flavors of doubanjiang and chili. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, making it a perfect dish for those who enjoy a little heat. Serve it with steamed white rice for a satisfying meal.