Ma Po Tofu

Ma Po Tofu is a spicy, aromatic dish featuring soft tofu and minced halal meat, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. This authentic Chinese brunch dish is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, bursting with umami goodness.

Ingredients

• Soft tofu - 300 grams
• Ground halal beef or lamb - 100 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
• Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) - 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Chili oil - 1 tablespoon
• Spring onions - 2, chopped
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon, crushed
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 150 milliliters
• Cornstarch - 1 teaspoon (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water for slurry)

Steps

1. Cut the soft tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the ground halal beef or lamb to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in the doubanjiang and mix well, cooking for another minute.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and chili oil, then add the water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Gently add the tofu cubes to the pan, being careful not to break them. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
7. Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring gently until the sauce thickens.
8. Finish by adding the crushed Sichuan peppercorns and chopped spring onions. Stir gently to combine.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice or as is.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Total Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from tofu and meat, supporting muscle health.
• Contains antioxidants from garlic and ginger, promoting overall wellness.

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