MAPO TOFU
You can order mapo tofu from many Chinese restaurants, but it's also quite doable at home. You can find the pivotal fermented chile and broad (fava) bean sauce or paste called doubanjiang (sometimes rendered as "toban djan") at a Chinese market. Look for a doubanjiang from Pixian, in Sichuan, and bear in mind that oilier versions have extra heat but may lack an earthy depth. Sichuan peppercorns add mala - tingly zing - and fermented black beans, called douchi, lend this dish a kick of umami. Ground beef is traditional, but many cooks choose pork; you can also try lamb, turkey thigh or a plant-based meat alternatives. Add chile flakes for extra fire, and balance mapo's intensity with rice and steamed or stir-fried broccoli.
Provided by Andrea Nguyen
Categories dinner, lunch, weeknight, grains and rice, meat, one pot, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings (about 4 cups)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Prepare the tofu: Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and put into a bowl. Bring a kettle of water to a rolling boil. Turn off the heat and when the boiling subsides, pour hot water over the tofu to cover. Set aside for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large (14-inch) wok or (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, toast the peppercorns for 2 to 3 minutes, until super fragrant and slightly darkened. (A wisp of smoke is normal.) Let cool briefly, then pound with a mortar and pestle, or pulse in a spice grinder.
- Set a strainer over a measuring cup, then add the tofu to drain; reserve 1 1/2 cups of the soaking water, discarding the rest. Set the tofu and reserved soaking water near the stove with the peppercorns and other prepped ingredients for swift cooking.
- Reheat the wok or skillet over high. When hot - you can flick water in and it should sizzle and evaporate within seconds - swirl in the oil to evenly coat, then add the meat. Stir and mash into cooked and crumbly pieces, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add 2 1/2 tablespoons doubanjiang, the douchi (if using), ginger and red-pepper flakes (if using). Cook about 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly, until things are vivid reddish brown. Add the soy sauce and sugar, stir to combine, then add the tofu. Gently stir or shake the pan to combine the ingredients without breaking up the tofu much.
- Add the reserved 1 1/2 cups soaking water, bring to a vigorous simmer, and cook for about 3 minutes, agitating the pan occasionally, to let the tofu absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Slightly lower the heat and taste the sauce. If needed, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of doubanjiang for heat, a pinch of salt for savoriness, or a sprinkle of sugar to tame heat.
- Add the scallions and stir to combine. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, then stir in enough to the mapo tofu to thicken to a soupy rather than a gravy-like finish. Sprinkle in the ground peppercorns, give the mixture one last stir to incorporate, then transfer to a shallow bowl. Serve immediately with lots of hot rice.
VEGAN MAPO TOFU
Mapo tofu is a justly popular menu item in many Chinese restaurants. It is a quickly cooked dish of braised tofu with minced pork (sometimes beef) in a bracing spicy sauce made with fermented black beans and fermented broad bean paste, along with hot red pepper and Sichuan pepper. This meatless version with fresh shiitake mushrooms is completely satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. For the best texture, use soft tofu rather than firm, taking care to cook it gently to keep it from crumbling.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, lunch, quick, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Remove stems from mushrooms. Make a light mushroom broth by simmering stems in 2 cups water for 15 minutes, then strain and reserve broth (discard stems). Dice mushroom caps and set aside.
- Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Cover with boiling salted water, let steep for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Put oil in a wok or wide skillet over medium heat. Add red peppers, black beans and bean paste and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garlic and ginger and let sizzle, then add mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil and Sichuan pepper. Add 1 1/2 cups mushroom broth and cook mixture gently for 2 minutes.
- Carefully add tofu cubes. Shake pan to distribute sauce, using a wooden spoon to help. Try to avoid smashing tofu. Drizzle in cornstarch mixture, gently swirling pan to incorporate (sauce will thicken) and simmer tofu in sauce for 2 minutes more. Thin with a little mushroom broth if necessary. Transfer to a low bowl or platter. Sprinkle with scallions and cilantro sprigs.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 166, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 638 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams
PHO WITH SPINACH AND TOFU
You can fuse Asian cuisines in this version of pho, substituting soba for the rice noodles and seasoning the tofu with a little soy sauce.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, soups and stews, main course
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Have the broth at a simmer in a soup pot. Place the tofu in a bowl and season with soy sauce if desired.
- For soba: Bring 3 or 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the noodles gradually, so that the water remains at a boil, and stir once with a long-handled spoon or pasta fork so that they don't stick together. Wait for the water to come back up to a rolling boil; it will bubble up, so don't fill the pot all the way; and add 1 cup of cold water. Allow the water to come back to a rolling boil and add another cup of cold water. Allow the water to come to a boil one more time and add a third cup of water. When the water comes to a boil again, the noodles should be cooked through. Drain and divide among 6 large soup bowls. For rice noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook until just al dente, firm to the bite, following the timing instructions on the package (my wide noodles take about 5 minutes). Drain and divide among 6 large soup bowls.
- Add the thinly sliced mushroom caps and spinach to the simmering broth, and as soon as the spinach wilts (about 20 seconds) ladle the broth and spinach into the soup bowls. Divide the tofu among the bowls. Sprinkle on half the cilantro, half the basil leaves and the green onions. Pass the chopped chilies, the mint sprigs, the remaining basil and cilantro for guests to add as desired, and the lime wedges for guests to squeeze on. Serve with chopsticks for the noodles and soup spoons for the soup.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 300, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 160 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams
MA PO TOFU
Spicy Tofu and Ground Pork. This is an adaptation of recipe #78452 by Daydream. I couldn't find many of the items so I improvised. It is essential that you prep everything before starting this recipe, it goes fast once you get started.
Provided by Teddys Mommy
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Place 1 tablespoon of the chopped ginger into a large zip-lock bag, and reserve the remainder.
- Add the remaining marinade ingredients to the bowl (1 sliced green onion, 1 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons dry sherry, 2 teaspoons cornstarch), and mix well.
- Add the ground pork, mix marinade and ground pork together, and put in refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove hard stems from Shiitake mushrooms and slice finely.
- Blanch the tofu in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
- Combine the garlic with the reserved ginger, and process together with a stick blender or spice grinder until they form a thick paste.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the Sesame and Olive Oil (2 tbsp sesame, 1 tbsp olive) and just as it is starting to smoke, add the garlic/ginger pasted and stir-fry, stirring continuously for approximately 30 seconds (take care not to burn the mixture).
- Next add the Black Bean Hot Sauce, Szechwan Stir Fry Sauce, Chili Oil, Shiitake mushrooms, and stir-fry for approximately 60 seconds.
- Stir meat mixture, add it to the skillet, and continue to stir-fry over high heat for two to three minutes, until it looses its pinkish color.
- Toss in the tofu and the sliced green onions and continue to fry for about 45 seconds.
- Pour in the soy sauce and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to moderate and cook for a couple of minutes.
- If there appears to be too much liquid in the pan contents, thicken with a little cornstarch and water.
- Serve with steamed rice.
MA-PO TOFU (SIMMERED TOFU WITH GROUND PORK)
I have long enjoyed stir-fried tofu creations like ma-po tofu, a classic dish from Sichuan. But I found making them difficult. This version is easy and quick.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories dinner, easy, quick, weekday, main course
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Put oil in a deep 10-inch skillet or wok, preferably nonstick, and turn heat to medium-high. A minute later, add garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes, and cook just until they begin to sizzle, less than a minute. Add pork, and stir to break it up; cook, stirring occasionally, until it loses most of its pink color.
- Add scallions and stir; add stock. Cook for a minute or so, scraping bottom of pan with a wooden spoon if necessary to loosen any stuck bits of meat, then add tofu. Cook, stirring once or twice, until tofu is heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce; taste, and add salt and red pepper flakes as necessary. Garnish with cilantro if you like, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 228, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 523 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams
SPINACH, TOFU AND SESAME STIR-FRY
You can serve this simple stir-fry with grains or noodles, or (my preference) use it as a filling for a whole wheat pita pocket.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, easy, quick, weekday, main course
Time 15m
Yield 3 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat the canola oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok, and add the tofu. Stir-fry until the tofu is lightly colored, three to five minutes, and add the garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute, and add soy sauce to taste. Add the spinach and stir-fry until the spinach wilts, about one minute. Stir in the sesame seeds, and add more soy sauce to taste. Remove from the heat.
- Using tongs, transfer the spinach and tofu mixture to a serving bowl, leaving the liquid behind in the pan or wok. Drizzle with the sesame oil, and add more soy sauce as desired. Serve with rice or other grains, or noodles. You may also use it as a filling for whole wheat pita bread.
MAPO TOFU NACHOS
This twist on nachos doesn't simply call for putting traditional mapo tofu atop tortilla chips. Instead, you'll make a creamy, spicy, saucy version using blended silken tofu and all the usual mapo ingredients. Spoon the sauce atop layers of chips, add cheese, then bake it. You could certainly stop there, but finishing with some garnishes makes it especially festive. Save leftover sauce for another round of nachos or a half batch of mapo spaghetti. To double this recipe, bake on a large parchment or foil-lined sheet pan in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. You can also make the sauce with lamb, turkey thigh or a plant-based meat alternative, in place of the ground beef or pork, if you like.
Provided by Andrea Nguyen
Categories finger foods, appetizer, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Prepare the mapo tofu sauce: If the tofu came as a block in water, discard the water. Cut the tofu into large chunks, then use a stand blender or immersion blender to whirl the tofu into an ivory smoothie.
- In a medium (3- or 4-quart) pot over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorns for 2 to 3 minutes, until super fragrant and slightly darkened. (A wisp of smoke is OK.) Let cool briefly, then pound with a mortar and pestle or pulse in a spice grinder.
- Prepare the remaining sauce ingredients and set them near the stove.
- Warm the oil in the pot over high heat. When shimmering, add the meat. Stir and mash into cooked and crumbly pieces, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons doubanjiang, the douchi (if using), ginger and red-pepper flakes (if using). Fry about 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly, until the mixture is a rich reddish brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the soy sauce and 1 rounded teaspoon sugar. Scrape in the blended tofu. (If there's much left in the blender jar, add 1 tablespoon water and whirl to loosen it.) Stir to combine well, partially cover and bring to simmer. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop flavor throughout. Expect orange oil to appear on top.
- Taste the sauce and if needed, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon doubanjiang (for heat), or a pinch of salt (for savoriness) or sugar (to tame heat).
- Stir in the scallion, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened. Turn off the heat. Stir in half the crushed Sichuan peppercorns for a bit of zing. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to deepen flavor and color before using; a little lingering orange oil is normal. This recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups, which is twice the amount that you'll need for this recipe; save the rest for spaghetti, more nachos or another use. (You can cool the sauce completely then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.)
- Prepare the nachos: Heat a toaster oven (or standard oven) to 350 degrees. Line the baking pan of the toaster oven (or a small sheet pan) with parchment or aluminum foil, leaving a little overhang on two sides so you may later easily transfer the nachos. Arrange half of the chips on the pan, laying them flat; some overlap is fine. Use a spoon to strew a heaping 1/2 cup mapo tofu sauce onto the chips. Sprinkle with half the scallions, half the cheese and half the remaining Sichuan peppercorns. Repeat with the remaining chips, a heaping 1/2 cup mapo tofu sauce, the remaining scallions, cheese and peppercorns.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese completely melts and there is gentle sizzling. Remove from the oven, then lift the parchment paper or foil to remove the nachos from the pan, then use a spatula to carefully usher the nachos to a platter. Top with any combination of olives, pickled jalapeños and cilantro, if desired.
MA PO TOFU (BRAISED SPICY PORK WITH TOFU)
This spicy, ground pork and tofu recipe served over white rice really hits the spot for me after a long day. With just a few ingredients, and some quick prep you can have dinner on the table in about a half hour. This is cheaper and more satisfying than any takeout I've ordered the last 10 years. Unlike some recipes for ma-po tofu, I eliminate the need to marinate the pork, just braise it in the sauce mixture for 10 minutes and all the flavors permeate the tofu. You can also adjust the heat by reducing the amount of chili paste so that the kids will enjoy it too - and who doesn't want their kids to develop a love for something as healthy as tofu? I also slice the ginger into larger pieces so I can remove it later (I love the taste of ginger but not biting into it)Enjoy!!
Provided by mlao77
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 35m
Yield 1 cup servings, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a wok, heat vegetable oil on medium high heat for 2 minutes. Have all your ingredients ready next to your cooking area as you will need them close at hand as cooking progresses.
- Add garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 1 minute, be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the ground pork to the wok and break up into large chunks. Let the pork sear and gently combine the garlic and ginger as you continue to break up the meat, abour 3-4 minutes. If desired, you may season the pork at this stage with salt and black pepper, but this is not necessary.
- For the sauce, combine the sugar, cooking wine, rice wine, sesame oil, soy sauce and chili paste. Add the sauce mixture to the wok. Gently combine and bring the wok to a simmer.
- Add green onions, tofu and 1/2 cup of chicken stock. Gently fold ingredients together, be careful not to break up the tofu (you want it to retain their cubed-shape).
- Cover wok with a lid and lower heat to low and braise pork and tofu for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid and raise heat to medium. Stir cornstarch into remaining 1/2 cup of chicken stock to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the wok and gently stir to thicken sauce, about 2 minutes. Remove the ginger now, if desired.
- Serve over white rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 514.3, Fat 32.7, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 106.7, Sodium 541.2, Carbohydrate 10.6, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 4.5, Protein 39.5
MA PO TOFU WITH SPINACH
Cubes of silken tofu simmered in a spicy sauce, with pork and spinach. This is my favorite, so I usually make a double recipe!
Provided by vitaminz
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 20m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Start your rice cooker.
- Dice the pork into tiny cubes, stir in a splash of soy sauce, and set aside.
- Cut the silken tofu into 1/2 inch cubes and set aside. Be gentle with your tofu, the soft kind is delicate and comes apart easily.
- Combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, sherry, sugar, and salt, and set aside.
- Heat up the vegetable oil in a wok, deep skillet, or dutch oven.
- when the oil is very hot, add the chili sauce and garlic. Stir for 30 seconds, just enough to wake up the flavors, but not enough to burn the garlic.
- add the diced pork and stir, cooking for another minute or so. (It will cook more later).
- Add the tofu and pour in the sauce. Stir once gently, being careful not to break up the tofu.
- Bring the sauce up to a boil and braise uncovered for 5 minutes or so. (How long you want to braise it depends on how saucy you want it to be--the longer it boils, the more the liquid will reduce.).
- Dice the green onion, white and green parts together.
- After 5+ minutes, the tofu will take on a nice reddish brown color from the sauce. At this point, mix cornstarch and water to make about a tablespoon of goopy paste, and stir into the boiling sauce. Throw about 4 handfuls of baby spinach onto the top and cover, cooking for another 2 or 3 minutes.
- When your spinach is wilted and the sauce is "clingy", gently stir in the green onion and 1/2 tsp of sesame oil.
- Serve on top of lots of steamed white rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 349.5, Fat 19.5, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 24.4, Sodium 1857.5, Carbohydrate 16.4, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 5.7, Protein 28.4
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- First, we toast the chilies. If you have homemade toasted chili oil, you can skip this step. Heat your wok or a small saucepan over low heat. Add ¼ cup of the oil and throw in the fresh and dried peppers. Stir occasionally and heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes, ensuring that the peppers don’t burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
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