Spicy Tofu Recipe
This dish cleverly uses the rich flavor of Chinese doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) to transform tofu from ordinary to irresistible. For those who find tofu bland, these spicy and flavorful tofu cubes are sure to change your mind. Whether enjoyed on their own or as a side dish, they offer a delightful experience.
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Tofu can be prepared in many ways, and today’s spicy tofu recipe is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Paired with rice, it’s a dish that's hard to resist. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal!
1.About This Spicy Tofu
This spicy tofu is quick and easy to make, ready in just 15 minutes. It pairs perfectly with rice and stir-fried vegetables. This dish is a twist on the classic Sichuan mapo tofu, featuring garlic and doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) as the main ingredients. We also add Sichuan peppercorns to give it a unique spicy and numbing flavor.
We began developing this recipe a few years ago, and after numerous attempts, we've perfected the formula. We’re excited to officially share it in 2024 and hope you enjoy this carefully crafted dish.
2.Why This Recipe
We’re sharing this spicy tofu recipe for a simple reason. First, it uses healthy ingredients like tofu, which encourages healthier eating choices. Second, we want to introduce more people to and provide a taste of Chinese culinary culture.
With its unique flavor and straightforward preparation, spicy tofu is perfect for everyday meals and adds a touch of exotic flair to your home cooking.
3.You’ll Love It
After trying this spicy tofu, you’re sure to love it because:
Super Simple: This dish is incredibly easy to make, ready in just 15 minutes. Even cooking novices can master it with ease.
Perfect Spice Level: With a balanced level of heat, it’s an ideal dish for spice lovers. If you prefer less spice, you can adjust the heat to suit your taste.
Great Side Dish: This spicy tofu provides high-quality protein and pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice and vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, or green beans, making for a delicious and nutritious meal.
4.Ingredients
To make spicy tofu, you’ll need:
Firm Tofu: The main ingredient, providing protein and a soft texture.
Pork: Adds meatiness and flavor.
Doubanjiang: Gives the dish its distinctive salty and spicy taste.
Ginger, Garlic, Green Onions: Enhance the aroma and flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
Chili Sauce: Key seasoning for heat and spice.
Salt: Balances the seasoning.
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, adds aroma and texture.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and color.
Sichuan Peppercorns: Provides the unique numbing spiciness.
Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness.
Most of these ingredients are common in everyday cooking. Doubanjiang might be harder to find, so check local Asian grocery stores.
5.Can You Omit Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce in this dish. If you prefer not to use it or don’t have it on hand, you can skip it without significantly affecting the flavor of the dish.
6.How to Store Mapo Tofu
If you have leftover spicy tofu, let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. However, we don’t recommend eating overnight leftovers. It’s best to enjoy it on the day it’s made or prepare it fresh when you want it, as it’s easy to make.
7.More Tofu Recipes
If you like our recipes, please follow us for more delicious dishes. Below is the detailed tutorial for this recipe—let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 300g firm tofu
- 60g pork
ACCESSORIES
- 8g fermented black beans (douchi)
- 3 slices ginger
- 1 green onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
SEASONINGS
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
- 15ml vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3g Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon sugar
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare all the ingredients.
STEP 2
Wash and finely chop 1 green onion, 3 slices of ginger, and 2 cloves of garlic. Set aside.
STEP 3
Wash 60g of pork and mince it. Set aside.
STEP 4
Clean the firm tofu and cut it into small cubes.
STEP 5
Boil some water with a pinch of salt in a pot. Add the tofu and cook for about 30 seconds, then drain to remove excess moisture and reduce any beany taste.
STEP 6
Chop 2 tablespoons of fermented black beans (douchi) into small pieces and mix them into the doubanjiang (fermented bean paste).
STEP 7
Heat a pan and add 15ml of vegetable oil. (If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can use another cooking oil.)
STEP 8
Add Sichuan peppercorns and cook over low heat until fragrant, then remove the peppercorns. (This step helps to infuse the oil with the peppercorn flavor.)
STEP 9
Add the chopped green onion, ginger, and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
STEP 10
Add the minced pork and cook until it changes color. Then add the doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) and chopped fermented black beans, stirring well.
STEP 11
Add the homemade chili sauce and mix thoroughly. (If you don’t have homemade chili sauce, you can use store-bought.)
STEP 12
Pour in water and bring to a boil. Then add soy sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.
STEP 13
Add the tofu and cook for about 1 minute.
STEP 14
Gradually add the cornstarch mixture, stirring for about 3 minutes.
STEP 15
Serve, and your delicious mapo tofu is ready to enjoy!
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Spicy Tofu Recipe
- Main Ingredients:7
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:507 g
-
Energy (calories)：637 kcal
-
Protein：63.34 g
-
Fat：32.92 g
Why gray?
-
Carbohydrates：30.92 g
-
Protein: 36%232 kcal
-
Fat: 44%280 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 20%126 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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