The main ingredients for Mapo Tofu are silken tofu, ground pork, and Sichuan peppercorns.<\/li>\n
Sichuan peppercorns can be found at Asian supermarkets or well-stocked grocery stores like Whole Foods.<\/li>\n
Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sichuan peppercorn and chili bean paste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Mapo tofu is a traditional Sichuan dish that blends the unique, numbing flavor of Sichuan peppercorns with silken tofu and savory ground pork. The dish is known for its intense spiciness, but the numbing sensation makes you want more. Sichuan pepper’s unique spice and floral notes set it apart from other types of spicy flavors. If you prefer less heat, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
This dish is both saucy and delicious, especially when served over rice to balance the spice and saltiness. It is also one of the few Chinese dishes that is commonly served with a spoon to scoop up the delicious sauce.\n<\/p>\n
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What Is Mapo Tofu? <\/span> <\/h2>\n
Mapo tofu is a traditional Sichuan dish of silken tofu, ground pork, Sichuan peppercorns, and a few other seasonings. It has a spicy and savory flavor with a tender texture thanks to the tofu and bits of chewiness and crunch thanks to the pork and chile.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
The dish is said to have been named after the elderly woman with pockmarks who originally developed the recipe. \u201cMa\u201d refers to pockmarks and \u201cpo\u201d to grandma.\n<\/p>\n
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Simply Recipes\u00a0\/ Frank Tiu<\/p>\n
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Where to Find Sichuan Peppercorns <\/span> <\/h2>\n
Sichuan peppercorns, available in Asian supermarkets and chains like Whole Foods, are best purchased as split dried red berries. These retain more flavor and aroma than ground Sichuan peppercorns. To make the most of their flavor and prolong their shelf life, grind the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder in small batches.\n<\/p>\n
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What are Sichuan Peppercorns?<\/h3>\n
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Sichuan peppercorns are not true peppercorns, but the dried fruit of a species of prickly ash tree.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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How to Adjust the Spice Level <\/span> <\/h2>\n
This recipe for mapo tofu utilizes three sources of heat: Sichuan peppercorn, Pixian chili bean paste, and chili crisp. Each ingredient offers a different level of heat intensity.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
The Pixian chili bean paste provides the majority of the heat and sodium, so you can adjust the amount to suit your taste and add salt as needed to maintain flavor balance. (I like the Lee Kum Kee brand, personally!) Sichuan peppercorns offer both spiciness and numbing sensations, so adjust the amount to your liking.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
The chili crisp adds color, texture, and flavor, including a light spiciness. I recommend using the called-for amount since it doesn\u2019t greatly affect the spice level.\n<\/p>\n
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What Kind of Tofu to Use <\/span> <\/h2>\n
Silken tofu is the creamiest, softest variety of tofu. Although this recipe calls for silken tofu for its smooth and silky texture that blends seamlessly with the saucy texture, soft tofu will work as well. Avoid firm or extra firm tofu.\n<\/p>\n
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Simply Recipes\u00a0\/ Frank Tiu<\/p>\n
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Craving More Sichuan Spice?! <\/span> <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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