Homestyle Szechuan Mapo Tofu
Experience the bold flavors of authentic Szechuan cuisine with this Homestyle Mapo Tofu recipe, a delicious and fragrant dish that combines silky firm tofu with savory ground pork, aromatic leeks, and spicy chili paste. Adapted from a beloved family recipe shared by my Chinese professor, this dish is perfect for serving over fluffy steamed rice and paired with tender bok choy. The rich sauce, infused with unique Szechuan spices, delivers a delightful heat that can be adjusted to your liking. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an exciting addition to your dinner party menu.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm tofu
1 lb (cut into 1/2 inch squares and blanched)
ground pork
4 ounces (marinated)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for marinating pork)
chili paste
1 tablespoon (adjust to preference)
chicken broth
3 tablespoons (or chicken stock)
leeks or green onions
1 (chopped into short lengths)
black bean paste
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
tapioca starch
1 1/2 tablespoons (for thickening)
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (divided for marination and slurry)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for slurry)
water
2 tablespoons (for slurry)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the ground pork with salt, chili paste, black bean paste, and half the soy sauce for the marinade. Mix well and let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
2
While the pork is marinating, prepare the tofu by cutting it into 1/2 inch (1 cm) cubes. Blanch the tofu in boiling water for approximately 2-3 minutes to enhance its texture. Carefully remove it from the water and drain.
3
Chop the leeks or green onions into short lengths to prepare them for stir-frying.
4
Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add your choice of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated pork along with its marinade.
5
Stir-fry the pork until it turns a deep golden brown and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
6
Add the black bean paste to the wok and mix until well incorporated, followed by the chili paste and chicken broth. Stir the mixture to combine all the flavors.
7
Gently add the blanched tofu and chopped leeks or green onions into the wok. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
8
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch, water, and the remaining soy sauce to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the wok while stirring gently to incorporate it into the sauce.
9
Continue to cook for another minute until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
10
Serve hot, garnished with freshly ground Szechuan pepper for an added kick. Enjoy with steamed rice and sautéed bok choy to round out your meal.
Nutrition Information
9.3g
Fat
15.7g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homestyle Szechuan Mapo Tofu?
Homestyle Szechuan Mapo Tofu is an authentic Chinese dish featuring silky firm tofu, savory ground pork, and aromatic leeks in a spicy chili sauce.
What is the origin of this specific Mapo Tofu recipe?
This recipe is adapted from a beloved family recipe shared by a Chinese professor, emphasizing authentic Szechuan flavors.
How long should I marinate the ground pork?
The ground pork should be marinated for approximately 20 minutes to allow the flavors of the chili paste, black bean paste, and soy sauce to penetrate.
What type of tofu is best for this dish?
Firm tofu is recommended for this recipe as it holds its shape well while still providing a silky texture.
How should the tofu be prepared?
The tofu should be cut into 1/2 inch (1 cm) cubes and then blanched in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to improve its texture.
What aromatics are used in this Mapo Tofu?
The recipe uses leeks or green onions, chopped into short lengths, to provide a fresh aromatic base.
Is this Mapo Tofu recipe spicy?
Yes, it is a spicy dish that uses chili paste and is garnished with Szechuan pepper for a signature heat.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Absolutely; the amount of chili paste can be adjusted to match your personal heat preference.
What should I serve with Mapo Tofu?
It is traditionally served over fluffy steamed rice and paired with tender sautéed bok choy.
How many calories are in a serving of this Mapo Tofu?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 9.3 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this Mapo Tofu?
The dish contains 15.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of blanching the tofu?
Blanching the tofu for a few minutes helps enhance its texture and prevents it from breaking too easily during the stir-fry process.
How long does it take to cook the marinated pork?
The pork should be stir-fried for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a deep golden brown and is fully cooked.
What ingredients are used to thicken the sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a slurry made from cornstarch, water, and soy sauce.
Can I use chicken stock instead of broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either chicken broth or chicken stock.
What is the role of black bean paste in this recipe?
Black bean paste is used as a primary seasoning to provide a deep, savory, and salty flavor profile.
How much soy sauce is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, which is divided between the pork marinade and the thickening slurry.
How do I finish or garnish the dish?
The dish is finished by garnishing with freshly ground Szechuan pepper to provide the characteristic numbing heat.
What kind of starch besides cornstarch is mentioned?
The ingredient list also includes 1.5 tablespoons of tapioca starch for thickening.
How long should the tofu simmer in the sauce?
Once the tofu and leeks are added, the mixture should simmer on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, with relatively short prep and cook times, it is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
How should the leeks be cut?
Leeks or green onions should be chopped into short lengths for stir-frying.
What type of oil should I use for stir-frying?
You can use your choice of cooking oil; typically a neutral oil with a high smoke point is best for wok cooking.
Does this recipe contain any fiber or sugar?
According to the provided data, the fiber and sugar content are not specified (null).
What is the consistency of the final sauce?
The final sauce should be thick enough to coat the tofu and pork, achieved by cooking the slurry for about one minute.
How many grams of ground pork are used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of ground pork.
Can I substitute the pork for a vegetarian option?
While the recipe specifies ground pork, you could use a plant-based meat alternative or finely chopped mushrooms to make it vegetarian.
What is the size of the tofu cubes?
The tofu should be cut into approximately 1/2 inch or 1 cm squares.