Ingredients

1 package firm tofu , drained cut into 1 inch cubes
kosher salt , to taste
1/2 cup sichuan red chili oil ( hong you )
6 garlic cloves , minced
6 inches piece ginger , peeled and minced
6 ounces ground beef or 6 ounces ground pork
4 scallions , thinly sliced plus more for garnish
1 red Thai chile , stemmed and minced
2 1/2 tablespoons chinese red chile bean paste ( douban jiang )
1 tablespoon chinese fermented black soybeans ( dou chi )
1 1/4 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1/4 cup cornstarch , mixed with 6 tbsp water
1/4 teaspoon ground sichuan pepper , for garnish
steamed rice , for serving
Mapo Doufu is a classic Sichuan dish that is known for its bold flavors and numbing spiciness. The dish is made with tofu and ground beef that is cooked in a spicy and savory red chili sauce. Traditionally, this dish is quite spicy, but the amount of chili used can be adjusted to suit individual tastes. Overall, this dish is a must-try for anyone who is looking for a flavorful and comforting meal.

Instructions

1.Toss the tofu cubes with the kosher salt in a large bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.
2.Heat the sichuan chili oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat until hot and fragrant.
3.Add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
4.Add the ground beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
5.Stir in the scallions, red Thai chile, chinese red chili bean paste and chinese fermented black soybeans, and stir-fry for another minute.
6.Add the chicken stock, sugar, and light soy sauce, and bring to a boil.
7.Add the tofu cubes and gently stir to coat with the sauce.
8.Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
9.Gently stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
10.Garnish with the ground sichuan pepper and additional sliced scallions, if desired.
11.Serve hot with steamed rice.

PROS

This dish is full of bold flavors, and the texture of the tofu provides a nice contrast to the ground beef.

The red chile sauce gives this dish a nice kick of heat, and the scallions add a fresh flavor.

CONS

The dish can be quite spicy, so it may not be suitable for those who don’t enjoy spicy food.

Some people may not enjoy the texture of tofu, but it can be substituted with ground pork or turkey.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tofu is a good source of protein, and it is low in calories and fat.
The spices used in this dish, such as ginger and sichuan pepper, have been linked to aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.

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