Mapo Tofu (Definitely Not Authentic)

If you are looking for a legit Mapo Tofu then you my friend…are in the wrong place.

I suggest you check out one of the following sites if you want a Mapo Tofu recipe that a Chinese Grandmother would be proud of…

Thewoksoflife

Chinasichuanfood

Omnivorescookbook

If, however, you don’t care for authenticity then check this recipe out! It’s just as delicious!

DSC_0080-2

What makes mine so different?

  1. I kept my tofu in brick form: I like silken tofu for its almost custard-y mouthfeel. Keeping it whole keeps me from breaking it into 184,462 pieces when I’m mixing it with the sauce.
  2. I didn’t mince my pork too finely: I like the “chew” that contrasts the silkiness of the tofu.
  3. I didn’t use Szechuan Peppercorns: cause I’m a baby when it comes to heat and I want to taste my food.

How can this still be considered Mapo Tofu?

  1. It has the same flavors (minus that mouth numbing heat).
  2. The appearance slightly resembles the authentic ones…kinda.
  3. Simply because I didn’t know what else to call it and Mapo Tofu was easier to say than “Silk Tofu Block Topped with Spicy Minced Pork and Chili Oil”…I hope you forgive me.

DSC_0116-2

I’m not here to tell you about the origins of this dish. Marc Matsumoto explain it here if you care to know. I’m here to tell you about this version came into existence. It was a cold and stormy night when I was hit by this unrelenting hunger. I needed something with a bit of heat and…Naw, just kidding. I had spent the first 10 hours of my day trying out recipes (most of which will end up in my fails gallery) and found myself sugared out (I was baking…unsuccessfully).

I was hoping for something healthy and decided to have tofu for dinner. Admittedly, this recipe didn’t come out healthy but I’m not complaining. My Mapo Tofu recipe was birthed by sugar fatigue, a left over pork chop and a pack of tofu that was nearing its expiration date. Yeah, the truth is never as glamorous but “it is what it is” and what it is…is silky spicy savory scrumptiousness! Did you get that? I had to reread that several times to make sure I said what I wanted to say. Just try it…It’s worth every bite!

Before I let you go, for this recipe you will need something called Doubanjiang. To all my non Chinese viewers, I challenge you to say this word. Haha, it’s a hard one. I mentioned this because I don’t want this ingredient to deter you from giving this recipe a try. You can find this ingredient in any decent Asian market. This is the brand I use…

DSC_0062

I can’t recommend any other brand because I haven’t tried another one. If you have and prefer another brand then please let me know!

Here to Fuel Your Culinary Fire!!!
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )
DO NOT SUBSCRIBE...just yet. I mean, you barely know me. Check the site out, get inspired, have a few laughs and come back if you think I'm worth your time. Enjoy!
I share a lot of free stuff but don't worry, your information will ALWAYS be kept secret.
Mapo Tofu
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
2 People 5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Servings Prep Time
2 People 5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Mapo Tofu
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
2 People 5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Servings Prep Time
2 People 5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Ingredients
Tofu
Pork Sauce Part 1
Pork Sauce Part 2
To Finish
Servings: People
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for "Pork Sauce Part 1" and set aside.
  2. Bring water to a boil. In the meantime, carefully take the tofu out of the package, rinse and place in a steam proof bowl. Place the bowl in the pot with the boiling water (make sure the bottom of the bowl does not make contact with the water).
  3. Cover and steam for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the bowl and some paper towels in the bowl to soak up the excess water. This will keep your sauce undiluted and delicious!
  5. In a pan over medium-high heat, put in the oil and fry the scallion, garlic and ginger until fragrant (15-30 seconds).
  6. Throw in the minced pork and fry until the pork is no longer pink. You may need to add a touch of oil if your pan is getting dry.
  7. Turn the heat down to medium and add the doubanjiang. Stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  8. Add in the "Pork Sauce Part 1" mixture (make sure to give this mixture a quick stir just in case the starch has set on the bottom).
  9. Spoon the pork over your tofu and top with the reserved green scallions and chili oil.
Share this Recipe
Powered byWP Ultimate Recipe

Leave a reply