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Mild Mapo Tofu Recipe

Mild Mapo Tofu Recipe: Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Enjoy this Mild Mapo Tofu Recipe, a quick and delicious dish from Sichuan, perfect for a comforting dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese, Sichuan
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu
  • 1 block silken or soft tofu drained and cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt for blanching
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil high-smoking point oil
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese chili pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn use sparingly for mildness
  • 2 tablespoons spicy broad bean paste look for 'Pixian' or use miso
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey/agave
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder optional
For Thickening and Finishing
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water to thicken
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil optional
  • 2 stalks green onion sliced, optional for garnish
  • 1 cup water or stock vegetable stock for vegetarian option

Equipment

  • Pan
  • Wok
  • pot
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Drain a block of silken or soft tofu, cut into ½ to 1-inch cubes, and blanch in salted water for 2-3 minutes.
  2. In a large pan or wok, heat cooking oil and sauté Chinese chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns for 15-30 seconds.
  3. If using, add ground meat and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned.
  4. Stir in minced ginger, minced garlic, and spicy broad bean paste; cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in water or stock, add blanched tofu, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Mix cornstarch with water, add gradually to sauce while stirring until thickened.
  7. Stir in toasted sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 14gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Gently handle the tofu to prevent breaking. Adjust spice levels to taste. Use stock for a richer sauce.

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