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Flavorful Mapo Tofu Recipe Easy Homemade with Pork and Sichuan Peppercorns

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A quick and easy Mapo Tofu recipe featuring ground pork, silky silken tofu, and the signature numbing aroma of freshly toasted Sichuan peppercorns. Perfect for a comforting, flavorful meal in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 300g (10.5 oz) ground pork (lean to medium fat)
  • 400g (14 oz) silken tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
  • 2 tbsp Doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low sodium; tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock or water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp ground white pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast and grind Sichuan peppercorns: Heat a dry pan over medium heat, add peppercorns, and toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Grind finely and set aside.
  2. Prepare the tofu: Drain silken tofu carefully and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a bowl of warm water to keep warm.
  3. Cook the pork: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking apart until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add aromatics and doubanjiang: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fermented chili bean paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Add liquids: Pour in chicken stock or water and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Incorporate tofu: Drain tofu cubes and gently slide into the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, spooning sauce over tofu to absorb flavor, avoiding vigorous stirring.
  7. Thicken the sauce: Stir cornstarch slurry and slowly drizzle into simmering mixture while gently stirring until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Finish with Sichuan peppercorns: Sprinkle freshly ground peppercorns over the top, stir gently to combine. Add optional white pepper if desired.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced scallions, and serve hot over steamed rice.

Notes

Toast Sichuan peppercorns fresh to unlock their signature numbing aroma. Handle silken tofu gently to keep it intact. Adjust doubanjiang and chili flakes to control spice level. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Ground chicken or turkey can be used as protein alternatives. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve tofu texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mapo Tofu, Sichuan peppercorns, ground pork, spicy tofu, Chinese recipe, easy dinner, homemade Mapo Tofu

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/flavorful-mapo-tofu-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pork-and-sichuan-peppercorns/