Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork (Printable)
Silky tofu and ground pork simmered in a spicy, aromatic sauce with numbing Sichuan peppercorns.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein & Tofu
01 - 14 oz soft or medium-firm tofu, cubed
02 - 7 oz ground pork
→ Aromatics
03 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
06 - 3 scallions, white and green parts separated and sliced
→ Sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean chili paste)
08 - 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and roughly chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar
12 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
13 - 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
14 - 1 teaspoon chili oil
15 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
→ Garnish
16 - 1 tablespoon scallion greens, sliced
17 - 1 teaspoon toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns
# Directions:
01 - Cut the tofu into ¾-inch cubes. Place in a bowl of hot, lightly salted water for 5 minutes to firm up. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until no longer pink, breaking up any clumps, about 3 minutes.
03 - Add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the doubanjiang and fermented black beans. Fry for 1–2 minutes until the oil turns red and aromatic.
05 - Pour in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
06 - Gently add the tofu cubes to the pan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
07 - Stir in the chili oil and ground Sichuan peppercorns.
08 - Pour in the cornstarch slurry, stir gently, and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10 - Remove from heat, garnish with scallion greens and extra ground Sichuan peppercorns if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The balance of silky tofu against the fiery, numbing sauce creates an addictive sensation that keeps you coming back for another bite
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all day
02 -
- Stir the tofu gently once it is in the pan, aggressive stirring will break the cubes into a mushy mess
- The salt water soak for tofu is not optional, it prevents the tofu from crumbling and helps it hold its shape
03 -
- Grind your Sichuan peppercorns fresh in a mortar and pestle right before using, pre-ground powder loses its numbing power quickly
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach its ideal consistency