homemade minced meat and tofu recipe

Homemade Mapo Tofu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mapo Tofu, a beloved Chinese comfort dish, combines tender tofu, savory minced pork, and a spicy, numbing sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to recreate this classic at home.

Ingredients: 300g soft tofu (cubed), 150g ground pork, 2 tbsp doubanjiang (broad bean paste), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp starch, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 sliced green onion, and vegetable oil.

Steps:

1. Prep: Drain tofu and pat dry. Mix starch with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry.

2. Sauté pork: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Cook pork until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Add garlic and doubanjiang, stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Simmer: Pour in 200ml water, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Tofu: Gently add tofu cubes, being careful not to break them. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to absorb flavors.

5. Thicken: Drizzle in starch slurry, stirring gently until the sauce thickens.

6. Serve: Garnish with green onions. Enjoy with steamed rice!

Tips: For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. Use silken tofu for creaminess or firm tofu for a heartier texture. This dish balances spicy, savory, and umami flavors, making it a weeknight favorite. Adjust spice levels to your taste and savor the comforting taste of homemade Mapo Tofu!