Ma Po Doufu
Ma Po Doufu is a classic Sichuan dish featuring soft tofu in a fragrant and spicy sauce, making it a comforting and flavorful option for dinner.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Begin by cutting the soft tofu into cubes.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
- 3
Add the ground pork to the pan, stirring frequently until it's browned and cooked through.
- 4
Add the garlic and ginger, then stir in the doubanjiang and chopped douchi; cook for about 2 minutes until the oil turns red and fragrant.
- 5
Add the soy sauce and ground Sichuan peppercorns, mixing well with the pork.
- 6
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- 7
Gently add the tofu cubes to the pan, taking care not to break them.
- 8
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and then stir this into the pan to thicken the sauce.
- 9
Allow the dish to simmer for another 5 minutes, then drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
- 10
Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top as a garnish before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Serve the dish hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Be careful when stirring the tofu to keep it intact.
Feel free to adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of doubanjiang.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Substitutions
- Ground pork can be replaced with ground beef or turkey.
- For a spicier option, increase the amount of doubanjiang.
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Chinese sesame noodles
Common Mistakes
- Not letting the pork brown enough before adding other ingredients.
- Adding the cornstarch too quickly can lead to clumping.
- Overcooking the tofu can make it crumbling instead of soft.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make Ma Po Doufu vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
What is doubanjiang?
Doubanjiang is a fermented broad bean paste that adds a rich, spicy flavor to dishes.
Can I freeze Ma Po Doufu?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month; just be aware that the texture of the tofu may change.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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