Ma Po Tofu

Ma Po Tofu Recipe - Spicy Vegetarian Dish from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ma Po Tofu is a popular Chinese dish that originated in the Sichuan province. It is known for its spicy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the soft tofu. This dish is a favorite among many for its bold flavors and comforting qualities.

History

Ma Po Tofu is named after a woman named Mrs. Chen, who was known as "Ma Po" due to her pockmarked face. She was a famous chef in the Sichuan province and created this dish with a combination of tofu, minced meat, and spicy bean paste. The dish has since become a staple in Sichuan cuisine and has spread to other regions of China and the world.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) diced tofu
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 minced garlic cloves
1 chopped chive or small scallion (green part only)
0.25 lb (113 g) ground pork
2 tbsp spicy (not sweet) bean paste or Szechuan bean sauce [1]
0.67 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 cup cold water
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp spicy chili oil

How to prepare

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the tofu and cook for 1 minute to remove acidity.
Remove the tofu, drain, and set it aside.
Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a wok or large skillet.
Sauté the garlic and chives until the garlic aroma is evident, about 2 minutes.
Add the pork, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
Cook until all the pink is gone, about 5 minutes.
Add the bean paste, chicken broth, and tofu.
Bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Dissolve the cornstarch in water.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the broth.
Bring it to a boil to thicken the sauce.
Just before serving, add the sesame and chili oils.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for added texture and flavor.
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork for a lighter version of this dish.
For a vegan version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use firm tofu for this recipe to ensure that it holds its shape during cooking.

- Adjust the amount of spicy bean paste to your desired level of heat. You can always add more for extra spice.

- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground pork and use mushrooms or another meat substitute.

- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and flavorful finish.

Serving Suggestions

Ma Po Tofu is traditionally served with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to drain the tofu well before cooking to remove excess water and prevent it from becoming soggy.

- Use a wok or large skillet to ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and the sauce thickens properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find spicy bean paste, you can use chili paste or sriracha for a similar flavor profile.

- Substitute ground beef or turkey for the ground pork if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tofu and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and tofu together in a pan.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Ma Po Tofu with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Ma Po Tofu pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli. For drinks, consider serving with a cold glass of green tea or a crisp lager.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ma Po Tofu contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Ma Po Tofu is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Ma Po Tofu is a good source of protein, with approximately 20 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Tofu is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium, while the garlic and chives provide vitamins C and K.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ma Po Tofu is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Ma Po Tofu is a classic Chinese dish that is loved for its spicy and savory flavors. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can recreate this delicious dish at home for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this flavorful Ma Po Tofu recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through a box of old cookbooks that had been sitting in the attic for years. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and landed at my feet. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Ma Po Tofu.

I had never heard of Ma Po Tofu before, but the ingredients listed on the paper intrigued me. Tofu, ground pork, chili paste, and Sichuan peppercorns were all listed, along with a note that said the dish was spicy and flavorful. I could practically taste it just reading the recipe, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

I asked around the family, but no one had ever heard of Ma Po Tofu. So, I decided to do some research on my own. I visited the local library and checked out books on Chinese cuisine, hoping to find more information about this mysterious dish. After hours of reading and studying, I finally found a recipe that matched the one I had discovered in the attic.

According to the book, Ma Po Tofu originated in the Sichuan province of China and was named after an old woman who sold the dish in her small restaurant. The recipe had been passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the dish. I was thrilled to have stumbled upon such a rich and flavorful recipe, and I couldn't wait to try my hand at making it.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. I chopped the tofu into small cubes, browned the ground pork, and mixed in the chili paste and Sichuan peppercorns. As the dish simmered on the stove, the aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When it was finally ready, I ladled the Ma Po Tofu into a bowl and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – spicy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness from the tofu. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had found a new favorite dish.

I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my family. I invited them over for dinner and served them my homemade Ma Po Tofu. They were hesitant at first, unsure of what to expect from a dish they had never heard of. But one bite was all it took to win them over.

My grandchildren especially loved the dish, and they begged me to make it for them every time they came over. I was happy to oblige, knowing that I had found a recipe that would be passed down through the generations of our family.

As I sat at the dinner table with my loved ones, enjoying the delicious Ma Po Tofu, I reflected on the journey that had led me to this moment. It was a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are found in the most unexpected places, waiting to be discovered and shared with those we love.

And so, Ma Po Tofu became a staple in our family's culinary repertoire, a dish that brought us together and created lasting memories. I will always cherish the moment I found that faded piece of paper in the attic, leading me to a recipe that has since become a beloved tradition in our home.