Mapo tofu is a beloved dish from Sichuan cuisine, known for its explosion of flavors and textures. The silky tofu melts in your mouth, while the rich and spicy sauce tingles your tastebuds with a unique numbing sensation. It’s a symphony of heat, savoriness, and a touch of sweetness, all balanced perfectly.
While it may seem intimidating at first glance, mapo tofu is surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe uses readily available ingredients in New Zealand supermarkets, allowing you to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Tofu:
Directions:
1. Prepare the Tofu: Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Bring the water to a simmer in a pot, then add the tofu cubes. Let them simmer for 2-3 minutes to remove any bitterness. Drain the tofu and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. If using pork, add it to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add the Aromatics: Add the doubanjiang, ginger, garlic, and chili pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, releasing the fragrant aromas.
4. Spice it Up: Add the Sichuan peppercorns and stir for another 10 seconds.
5. Deglaze and Season: Pour in the Shaoxing wine (or sherry) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Once simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Incorporate the Tofu: Gently add the drained tofu cubes to the sauce, stirring carefully to coat them evenly.
8. Finishing Touches: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a touch of sugar for a hint of sweetness. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped scallions.
9. Serve: Spoon the hot mapo tofu over steamed rice and enjoy! Drizzle with a touch of toasted sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
Nutrition Facts:
(Please note that this is an approximate nutritional breakdown and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Serving size: 1 serving
Conclusion
Mapo tofu is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party. The combination of textures and the unique blend of spicy, savory, and numbing flavors makes it a truly unforgettable dish. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this Sichuan classic in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family.
FAQs:
1. I can’t find doubanjiang. What can I substitute?
