Q: Can I use another type of meat instead of pork?
A: Yes, you can substitute pork with beef or chicken, but the taste may vary slightly.
Q: Is it necessary to boil the tofu before adding it to the sauce?
A: Boiling tofu helps to firm it up and allows it to absorb flavors better during cooking.
Q: How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
A: You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder and doubanjiang (bean paste) used.
Authentic Mapo Tofu Recipe
Notes
Ingredients:
- Tofu: 1 block
- Doubanjiang (bean paste): 1 tablespoon
- Green onion (chopped): 5 grams
- Minced garlic: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken powder: 1 tablespoon
- Ginger slices: 2 pieces
- Pork (minced): 200 grams
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- White sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dark soy sauce: ½ tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Water: as needed
- Boil water in a pot and cook the tofu with a teaspoon of salt for two minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Fry the minced pork until golden brown, then add green onions, ginger, garlic, and a tablespoon of doubanjiang to create a red oil.
- Add water to the pot, then introduce the tofu, salt, chicken powder, sugar, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, and ½ tablespoon of dark soy sauce.
- Add a water-cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring well.
- Finally, sprinkle some chili powder and green onions before serving.
- High in protein from tofu and pork.
- Contains essential amino acids and minerals.
- Caloric content varies depending on serving size and additional ingredients.
