Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Fermented Black Beans

Name: Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Fermented Black Beans
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Doubanjiang (Sichuan fermented broad bean paste); 1 tablespoon fermented black beans; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 pound ground pork or beef; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 3 cloves garlic; 2 teaspoons ginger; 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns

A spicy, numbing tofu delicacy from Sichuan Province

A classic Sichuan dish combining tofu, minced meat, and a savory, spicy sauce, known for its numbing spiciness from Sichuan peppercorns.

45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons Doubanjiang (Sichuan fermented broad bean paste)

1 tablespoon fermented black beans

rinsed

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Tofu

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu

cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons cornstarch

dissolved in 1/4 cup water

For the Meat

1/2 pound ground pork or beef

1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine

For the Aromatics

3 cloves garlic

minced

2 teaspoons ginger

minced

1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns

toasted and ground

Preparation

Marinating the Meat

Mix the Meat

In a bowl, mix the ground pork with Shaoxing wine.

Marinate

Let it marinate in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Prep Ingredients

Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Preparing the Tofu

Cube the Tofu

Carefully cube the tofu into 1-inch pieces.

Blanch the Tofu

Blanch the tofu in gently boiling water to help firm it.

Be cautious not to break the tofu while handling. Pro Tip: Use a slotted spoon to consistently move delicate items without damage.

Drain

Drain and set aside.

Cooking Process

Brown the Meat

Heat a wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil, then cook the marinated meat until slightly brown.

Build the Sauce

Add Doubanjiang and fermented black beans to the wok and sauté until aromatic, about 2 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the broth mixture, sugar, and soy sauce, then simmer briefly. Add in the tofu and gently coat with the sauce.

Plating & Serving