Recipe of Ma Po Tofu

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) soft tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 2 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Add Sichuan peppercorns and toast for a minute until fragrant. Remove and discard them.

2. 2

   In the same oil, add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green onions. Sauté for a minute until aromatic.

3. 3

   Add ground pork and cook until it's no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula.

4. 4

   Stir in doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste) and cook for another minute.

5. 5

   Add cubed tofu and gently stir to combine without breaking the tofu.

6. 6

   Pour in soy sauce, sugar, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.

7. 7

   Add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce. Stir well.

8. 8

   Season with salt to taste.

9. 9

   Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

10. 10

    Enjoy your homemade Ma Po Tofu with steamed rice!