Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish that combines silky tofu with a rich, aromatic sauce made from fermented black beans and chili oil. This vegan version captures the essence of traditional Mapo Tofu while being entirely plant-based, perfect for a hearty lunch.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 300 grams
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon, ground
• Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) - 1 tablespoon
• Fermented black beans - 1 tablespoon, rinsed and chopped
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 200 milliliters
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 2 tablespoons
• Spring onions - 2, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Chili oil - 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)

Steps

1. Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1.5 cm cubes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic, ginger, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the doubanjiang and chopped fermented black beans to the skillet, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
4. Gently add the tofu cubes to the skillet, being careful not to break them. Stir to coat the tofu with the sauce.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the skillet, stirring gently to thicken the sauce.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and the tofu is heated through.
8. Drizzle sesame oil and chili oil over the dish, then garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from tofu, promoting muscle health.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from Sichuan peppercorns and garlic.

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