If you are craving a dish that brings bold flavors, irresistible texture, and comforting warmth all in one, then you are going to love this Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork: Quick Comfort Food Delight Recipe. This iconic Sichuan classic combines silken tofu with a spicy, savory pork sauce that bursts with vibrant notes of chili and Sichuan peppercorns, making it an absolute game-changer for your weeknight meals. It’s incredibly fast to prepare yet so rich and satisfying that it feels like a special occasion every time you dig in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of heat, umami, and creaminess starts with simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in capturing the authentic taste and harmonious texture of this wonderful dish.
- 1 tbsp Douban Jiang: This spicy fermented chili bean paste is the heart of the dish, providing a deep, complex heat and saltiness.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Finely chopped to release its fragrant punch and add depth.
- 1 tbsp Ginger: Fresh ginger brightens the dish with its zesty warmth.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder: Adds adjustable heat, tailored to your spice preference.
- 1 cup Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid base that keeps everything moist and savory.
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: For that essential salty umami boost.
- 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce: Enhances the color and provides a hint of molasses sweetness.
- 1 tsp Sugar: Balances the spice and savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp Vinegar: Adds necessary acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 2 tsp Cornflour (mixed with 2 tsp water): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil: Adds a luscious, nutty finish to the dish.
- 1 tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns (Ground): Delivers the signature numbing bite unique to Sichuan cuisine.
- 380 g Soft Tofu: Silky smooth tofu absorbs all those flavors for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- 100 g Pork Mince: Adds savory richness and hearty texture.
- 2 tbsp Spring Onion/Scallions (Finely sliced): Provides a fresh, crisp bite for balance.
- 1 serving Steamed Rice: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
How to Make Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork: Quick Comfort Food Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
First things first, heat a splash of oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger, stirring them until fragrant and golden. This step releases their natural oils and creates the aromatic base for the sauce that every great mapo tofu needs.
Step 2: Brown the Pork Mince
Next, toss in the pork mince, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until it’s nicely browned and starting to crisp around the edges. This caramelization adds a beautiful, savory depth that complements the silky tofu perfectly.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the Douban Jiang and chili powder, letting the paste sizzle and infuse the pork with its bold, spicy richness. Add the ground Sichuan peppercorns here too to introduce their signature numbing sensation.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Give everything a good stir to marry those flavors into a glossy, vibrant sauce. Bring it to a simmer so the flavors can meld and intensify.
Step 5: Add the Tofu and Thicken the Sauce
Gently slide in the soft tofu, breaking it into large cubes carefully to maintain its tender texture. Pour the cornflour slurry gradually while stirring gently to thicken the sauce, coating the tofu and pork with a luscious glaze.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil and Spring Onions
Turn off the heat and drizzle the fragrant sesame oil over the dish, then sprinkle the sliced spring onions on top for a refreshing contrast. Give everything a final gentle stir to combine those finishing touches.
How to Serve Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork: Quick Comfort Food Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your mapo tofu, don’t shy away from garnishing with a handful of fresh scallions, a pinch of extra ground Sichuan peppercorn for that delightful tingle, or even some toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness. These little touches can turn a delicious dish into an unforgettable one.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when paired with steamed jasmine or white rice, which soaks up the spicy, savory sauce beautifully. You can also serve it alongside simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to add freshness and crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not invite your guests to customize their flavors? Present the dish with small bowls of chili oil, extra soy sauce, and crunchy fried garlic as optional add-ons on the side. For a casual twist, try spooning it over warm noodles or even crispy rice cakes for a handheld delight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork: Quick Comfort Food Delight Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it tightly covered to preserve moisture and prevent the tofu from drying out. This makes a perfect next-day lunch or a quick dinner option.
Freezing
Although freezing is possible, be cautious as the tofu’s delicate texture may become a bit spongy after thawing. If you choose to freeze, place the dish in an airtight container and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw it gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your mapo tofu gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even warmth and keep the tofu silky and soft.
FAQs
Can I make Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the pork mince for finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based mince to keep that meaty texture and umami flavor while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What if I don’t have Douban Jiang?
Douban Jiang is key for authentic spicy depth, but in a pinch, you can mix miso paste with chili paste to mimic the flavor, though it won’t be quite the same. Try to find Douban Jiang at an Asian grocery for the best result.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Definitely! The chili powder and Douban Jiang can both be increased or decreased depending on your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more as needed to suit your palate.
Is soft tofu the best choice for this recipe?
Yes, soft tofu has the perfect silky texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully while staying tender. Firm tofu can be used but will result in a different bite and mouthfeel.
How long does the dish take to prepare?
This Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork: Quick Comfort Food Delight Recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a fantastic quick meal without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine with something speedy yet soul-satisfying, this Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork: Quick Comfort Food Delight Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a brilliant combination of fiery, numbing, and savory flavors all wrapped in the silky goodness of tofu. I promise once you try it, it will become an instant favorite to impress family and friends alike. So heat up your wok and get ready for some mouthwatering comfort food magic!
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Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork: Quick Comfort Food Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Sichuan (Chinese)
Description
Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork is a classic Sichuan dish that combines silky soft tofu with flavorful minced pork in a spicy, savory sauce. This quick and comforting meal features aromatic garlic, ginger, chili bean paste, and the distinctive numbing taste of Sichuan peppercorns, served best over steamed rice for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Douban Jiang (Spicy fermented chili bean paste)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (Finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder (Or to taste)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Vinegar
- 2 tsp Cornflour (Mixed with 2 tsp water)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns (Ground)
- 380 g Soft Tofu
- 100 g Pork Mince
- 2 tbsp Spring Onion/Scallions (Finely sliced)
- 1 serving Steamed Rice (To soak up the flavors)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Cut the soft tofu into bite-sized cubes carefully to avoid breaking it. Measure out all sauces and spices for quick access during cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Pork: Heat a pan or wok over medium heat, add a small amount of oil, and sauté the garlic, ginger, and ground Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the pork mince and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as you stir.
- Add Spices and Sauce Base: Stir in the Douban Jiang, chili powder, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the oil to turn red from the chili bean paste.
- Simmer with Stock and Tofu: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the soft tofu cubes carefully, and cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the tofu absorb the flavors and heat through without breaking apart.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornflour slurry again to recombine, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce while gently stirring. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish for aroma, sprinkle the sliced spring onions on top, and serve immediately over a hot serving of steamed rice to soak up the rich, spicy sauce.
Notes
- Be gentle when stirring tofu to keep it in cubes and avoid breaking.
- Adjust chili powder and Douban Jiang to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute pork with mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique numbing flavor; if unavailable, omit or reduce to taste.
- This dish is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
