Authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork

Name: Authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 8 oz ground pork; 1 lb silken tofu; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 0.66 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp spicy bean sauce; 3 tbsp ginger; 3 tbsp garlic cloves, minced; 1.5 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns; 8 dried red chilies; 2 fresh Thai bird chili peppers; 0.25 cup water; 1.5 tsp cornstarch; 0.25 tsp sugar; 0.25 tsp sesame oil; 1 scallions

Experience the bold, numbing heat of authentic Sichuan cuisine with this classic Mapo Tofu. Silky tofu and savory ground pork are simmered in a rich, spicy bean sauce infused with aromatic Sichuan peppercorns for a deeply satisfying meal.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time25 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

ground pork
8 oz
silken tofu
1 lb
vegetable oil
0.5 cup
low-sodium chicken broth
0.7 cup
spicy bean sauce
2 tbsp
ginger
3 tbsp
garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp
Sichuan peppercorns
1.5 tbsp
dried red chilies
8
fresh Thai bird chili peppers
2
water
0.3 cup
cornstarch
1.5 tsp
sugar
0.3 tsp
sesame oil
0.3 tsp
scallions
1

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chili oil: Heat half of the oil in a wok or small saucepan over low heat. Add the fresh Thai bird chilies and dried red chilies. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until the oil is fragrant and red, ensuring the peppers do not burn. Remove from heat and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics and pork: Heat the remaining oil in the wok over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and cook for 1 minute, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Increase the heat to high and add the ground pork. Break up the meat with a spatula and fry until it is browned and cooked through.

Infuse with Sichuan pepper: Add the ground Sichuan peppercorns to the pork mixture. Stir for 15 to 30 seconds, being careful not to let them burn, as overcooked peppercorns can turn the dish bitter.

Simmer the sauce: Stir in the spicy bean sauce (doubanjiang) until well combined. Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 1 minute. Meanwhile, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.