Mapo Tofu over Rice (麻婆豆腐飯)
麻婆豆腐飯, or Mapo Tofu over Rice, combines the spicy, pungent, and umami-rich flavors of Mapo Tofu with the comforting simplicity of steamed rice. This Sichuan classic is known for its bold flavors, including Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and fermented bean paste. Here’s how you can bring this dish to your table.
Ingredients
For the Mapo Tofu:
- 300 g soft tofu cut into cubes
- 100 g ground pork optional
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang fermented bean paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fermented black beans rinsed and mashed (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns ground (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili oil adjust to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
Instructions
Prepare Tofu:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add tofu cubes and blanch for about 1 minute. This helps firm up the tofu a bit. Drain and set aside.
Cook Ground Pork:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground pork, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned. Remove pork from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add Doubanjiang:
- Stir in the doubanjiang and, if using, the mashed fermented black beans. Cook for a minute to release their flavors.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add back the cooked pork, then stir in soy sauce and broth. Bring to a simmer.
Thicken Sauce:
- Mix the cornstarch with water and add to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens.
Add Tofu:
- Gently fold in the tofu cubes, trying not to break them. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes so the tofu can absorb the flavors.
Season:
- Sprinkle in ground Sichuan peppercorns and drizzle with chili oil. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Garnish:
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve:
- Serve the Mapo Tofu hot over freshly steamed rice.
