To me, Mapo Tofu is Chinese comfort food at its best. The tofu melds with the other ingredients to take on an almost cheesy quality. And even Tony, who isn’t a big tofu fan, really liked it. I have yet to trial this recipe with little ones, but it seems like a dish I would have loved as a kid. It has a “Hamburger Helper” vibe to the taste. I didn’t have a zucchini on hand for this batch, which does add nice color and nutrition to the dish.
Special Diet Notes: Mapo Tofu
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, optionally gluten-free, nut-free, and peanut-free.
Mapo Tofu
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Don't be afraid to swap the vegetables in this dish. Sliced mushrooms stand in well for the zuccini.
Author: Alisa Fleming
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (3/4-inch) piece ginger, minced, or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ pound ground beef or pork
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 to 3 tablespoons black bean sauce, to taste
- 12 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, trimmed and sliced
- 1 to 2 small chile peppers, diced or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups cooked brown or white rice
- Sesame oil (optional)
- Chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok or pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and saute for 1 minute. Add the ground meat and stir fry until lightly browned and crumbly.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bean sauce. Add the tofu and zucchini and saute for about 5 minutes.
- Add the bean sprouts, green onions, and peppers (if using) and saute for 2 minutes.
- Divide the rice between 4 plates or bowls and top with the mapo tofu. Serve with the sesame oil and hot chili oil for drizzling, if desired.
Key Pantry Supplies: Mapo Tofu
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