Enjoy the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this mouthwatering Chinese Mabo Tofu recipe. This popular dish features tofu cooked in a rich and spicy sauce, topped with savory ground meat. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal that you can easily prepare at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic Chinese recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound ground meat (pork or beef)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup fermented black beans, rinsed and minced
- 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Directions
- Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into small cubes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, ginger, fermented black beans, and chili bean paste. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked ground meat back to the skillet and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil.
- Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Mabo Tofu is a classic Chinese dish that originated from Sichuan province.
The name 'Mabo' is derived from the Chinese characters for 'pockmarked grandmother', who is believed to have created the dish.
This dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors, thanks to the use of chili bean paste and fermented black beans.
Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and is commonly used in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Mabo Tofu is a versatile dish and can be customized by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.