# I’m hooked on the enchanting blend of silky smooth tofu and zesty spicy pork. If you’re in the loop, you understand: mapo tofu.
## What is mapo tofu?
Mapo tofu is a renowned Sichuan dish featuring a generous amount of *mala*, the distinctive numbing spiciness characteristic of exceptional Sichuan cuisine. If you’re unacquainted with Sichuan fare, the vibrant red color may intimidate you, but once you overcome that heat, you’ll crave it again!
If you’re fond of tofu and enjoy spice, mapo tofu is sure to delight you as well. And if extreme spice isn’t your thing, the beauty of this dish is that you can tweak the spiciness by adjusting the amount of Sichuan pepper you use as a finishing touch.
For those unfamiliar, here’s a brief overview: mapo tofu is a widely loved Chinese dish originating from the Sichuan province. It features soft tofu immersed in a spicy, bright red sauce accompanied by ground pork. The dish’s name roughly means “pockmarked grandma’s tofu,” akin to your grandmother’s special tofu. Numerous variations exist, but this is a classic, authentic mapo tofu recipe.
## How to prepare authentic mapo tofu
With your ingredients ready, the recipe is quite straightforward. Begin by blanching your tofu in salted water. Next, it’s simply a matter of frying the pork and [doubanjiang](https://iamafoodblog.com/doubanjiang-sichuan-spicy-bean-paste/), incorporating chicken stock, and thickening it. Sautéing the doubanjiang to release its oils enhances the flavor and aroma. The sauce thickens with cornstarch, resulting in a glossy, golden mixture that clings flawlessly to your tofu cubes. It pairs beautifully with rice.
1. **Blanch the tofu.** Lightly simmer the tofu in salted water over low heat, then take the pot off the heat and let it sit in its salty water.
2. **Fry.** Cook the pork until crispy, then mix in the doubanjiang and fry it to release its spicy red oils. Add the garlic and ginger.
3. **Sauce.** Combine the chicken stock and soy sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Incorporate the drained tofu cubes and stir in a cornstarch slurry. Simmer until the sauce is thick and glossy, and you’re all set!
## Key Ingredients
This dish centers around two essential ingredients: chili bean paste (doubanjiang) and Sichuan peppercorns. Both can be found at your local Asian grocery store. The rest of the ingredients are fairly common.
– **Doubanjiang.** Doubanjiang is one of the trickiest (or second trickiest) ingredients to source for authentic mapo tofu, but it’s definitely worth it. If your local Asian market doesn’t carry it, [you can find it online.](https://amzn.to/3N9NVFf) Read more about [doubanjiang here](https://iamafoodblog.com/doubanjiang-sichuan-spicy-bean-paste/) or below.
– **Sichuan peppercorns.** As for Sichuan peppercorns, you can purchase pre-ground powder, but if possible, opt for whole Sichuan peppercorns and toast and grind them on your own. The flavor will be much fresher and more pronounced.
– **Soft tofu.** Soft tofu is crucial for authentic mapo tofu. It should be smooth, rich, and soft.
– **Ground pork.** This dish includes a small amount of ground pork, just enough to enhance the tofu.
– **Ginger and garlic.** Ginger and garlic contribute a burst of aroma.
– **Chicken stock.** Chicken stock forms the bulk of the sauce.
– **Cornstarch.** Cornstarch is used as a thickener to ensure the sauce is silky and smooth.
– **Soy sauce.** Just a hint of soy adds extra umami.
## Doubanjiang
With certain authentic recipes, there’s usually that one ingredient you need to hunt down extensively. You might be wandering the aisles questioning if it’s really worth the effort. Allow me to assure you, it absolutely is! Doubanjiang is a spicy fermented blend of soy and broad beans. It’s referred to as the heart of Sichuan cuisine and is responsible for giving your mapo tofu that beautiful red color. When shopping, aim for the Pixian variety if available.