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中文Ma Po Tofu
Ma Po Tofu: A Flavourful and Healthy Classic
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavour, comforting, and even healthy, then Ma Po Tofu is the perfect recipe to add to your repertoire. This Sichuan classic is beloved for its bold combination of spicy, savoury, and numbing flavours, balanced by the delicate texture of tofu. It’s a dish that brings together a satisfying kick and a wholesome meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with something a bit different.
Tofu, the star of this dish, is a great source of plant-based protein, and it soaks up all the delicious flavours from the sauce. The ground pork adds richness, while Sichuan peppercorns bring that signature tingle that makes your taste buds dance. It’s no wonder Ma Po Tofu has become a staple in Chinese cuisine and a favourite around the world.
Ingredients :
1 block (14 oz/400g) soft or medium-firm tofu – This provides the perfect texture for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
200g ground pork – Adds richness and depth to the dish.
2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns – Essential for that numbing, tingly sensation.
2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean and chilli paste) – The heart of the dish, giving it that deep umami flavour.
1 tablespoon fermented black beans – Rinsed and chopped for an extra layer of savoury taste.
2 cloves garlic – Minced, because garlic makes everything better
1-inch piece ginger – Minced for a touch of warmth and spice.
2 green onions – Chopped, with green and white parts separated for different stages of cooking.
1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds salty umami.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) – For a hint of sweetness and depth.
1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the heat and umami.
1 cup chicken broth – Helps create the luscious sauce.
1 tablespoon cornstarch – Mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the sauce.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – To finish the dish with a nutty aroma.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For stir-frying.
How to Cook:
Step 1: Prep the Tofu
Start by bringing a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add a pinch of salt and carefully slide in the tofu cubes. Simmer for 2 minutes, then drain. This step helps firm up the tofu and remove any excess water, making it the perfect base to absorb the rich sauce.
Step 2: Toast the Sichuan Peppercorns (Optional but Recommended)
If you love that signature tingly sensation, toast the Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Grind them into a coarse powder and set them aside. This will be your final garnish, adding an extra kick to the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small bits as it cooks. This gives the dish its rich, savoury foundation.
Step 4: Add the Aromatics
Once the pork is browned, add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white part of the green onions. Stir-fry these for about a minute until they’re fragrant. This step builds up the aromatic base of your Ma Po Tofu.
Step 5: Introduce the Bold Flavours
Stir in the doubanjiang, fermented black beans, and sugar. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes until the oil in the pan starts to turn a rich, deep red. This is where the flavour magic happens!
Step 6: Simmer the Tofu
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine, bringing everything to a simmer. Gently add the tofu cubes, being careful not to break them. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the tofu to soak up all those incredible flavours.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
To create a silky sauce that clings to every piece of tofu, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let the dish simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Drizzle with sesame oil for a nutty finish, and if you’ve prepared the Sichuan peppercorns, sprinkle them on top. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions for a fresh burst of colour and flavour.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Ma Po Tofu over steamed rice for a comforting meal. The fluffy rice will help balance the bold flavours and is the perfect companion to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Why You’ll Love Ma Po Tofu
Not only is Ma Po Tofu incredibly tasty, but it’s also a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a balanced meal. Tofu is high in protein and low in calories, making this dish both filling and nutritious. The combination of spices and aromatics creates a complex flavour profile that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or new to this ingredient, Ma Po Tofu is a dish that’s worth making over and over again.
Are you ready to give it a try? Your taste buds are in for a treat!
