
Add the hot peppers, green onions, garlic, ginger and Chinese 5 Spice (if using). Heat the remaining peanut oil in the pan or wok. Transfer to a plate or bowl and set aside.ĭoubanjiang. Cook the pork for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cooked through. While the tofu is blanching, heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. You can skip this step if you wish.Ĭook the Pork. Boil a bit longer and the outer edges will firm up a bit. Blanching the tofu relaxes and seasons the tofu, making it more supple. Add the cubed tofu and boil for 5 minutes. Bring a small pot of water to a boil with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
#Chinese bean paste how to
How to Make Mapo Tofu - the Recipe Methodīoil the Tofu. Sichuan peppercorns (freshly ground), sesame oil, spicy chili flakes, chopped scallions or other chopped fresh herbs, steamed rice if desired. Green onion or scallions, garlic, ginger. Serrano peppers are great here, or bird's eye peppers. Use Chinese hot peppers if you can obtain them, like the Chao Tian Jiao, or "Facing Heaven Pepper", or use whatever is available to you. It is also called Toban Djan, spicy bean paste or broad bean chili sauce. Doubanjiang is a Chinese chili bean paste made from fermented soybeans, broad beans, and hot peppers. I am using ground pork, though ground beef is often used. Peanut oil is good here, or use vegetable oil or chili oil for more heat factor. I prefer very firm tofu for this recipe, though soft or silken tofu is often used. Let's talk about how we make Mapo Tofu, shall we? As mentioned, there are different ways to make it, but this is how I like to make mine, with some added heat and spicy factor.
#Chinese bean paste full
It's so full of flavor and easy to work with. I personally love it for its spicy warmth and heavy use of Chinese doubanjiang, which always has a place in my kitchen. The term "mapo" means "pockmarked old woman", referring to the creator of the dish. You will find variations within the Sichuan region itself as well as other areas and Chinese restaurants that have adopted the dish, like Korean, Japan, and America. What is Mapo Tofu? Mapo Tofu is a Sichuan dish made with tofu and ground beef or pork simmered in a spicy sauce made from chili-bean paste and wonderful seasonings. This particular dish is called Mapo Tofu, and I believe it may become one of your new favorites, even if you aren't a fan of tofu. Sichuan cuisine is characterized by big, bold flavors with pungent spice, lots of spicy chili peppers and unique flavors. If you are a spicy food lover, Sichuan cooking is ideal for exploration. We're cooking up some Sichuan cuisine in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen tonight, my friends. This mapo tofu recipe is a popular Chinese dish from the Sichuan province of tofu and pork or beef stir fried in a spicy chili-bean sauce.
