Ma Po Tofu is a popular Sichuanese dish known for its spicy and numbing flavors. Originating from Sichuan province in China, it features soft tofu in a savory sauce made with chili bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and ground pork. The dish is named after "Ma Po," which means "pockmarked old woman," in honor of the widow who is said to have created it.
Ingredients:
1. 1 block of soft tofu (about 14 oz)
2. 4 oz of ground pork
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 2 green onions, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons of chili bean paste
6. 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
7. 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine
8. 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
9. 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
10. 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
11. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Method:
1. Prep the Tofu: Cut the tofu into small cubes (about 1/2 inch) and set aside.
2. Brown the Pork: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and sauté the minced garlic and chopped green onions for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in the chili bean paste, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Add the ground Sichuan peppercorns and mix well. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add the Tofu and Pork: Gently add the cubed tofu and browned pork to the pan, stirring to coat them with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve: Transfer the Ma Po Tofu to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired. Serve with steamed rice.
Notes:
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Substitute ground chicken or beef for the pork if preferred.
- Toast Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them for the best flavor.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 block of soft tofu (about 14 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin B1, B2, and calcium
- Minerals: Rich in iron, magnesium, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a high-quality protein source and is low in calories and cholesterol, promoting muscle health and bone strength.
2. 4 oz of ground pork
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins, particularly B12 and niacin
- Minerals: Good source of zinc, iron, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and essential vitamins and minerals, supporting energy levels and immune function.
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins C and B6
- Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for its antioxidant properties, garlic supports heart health and immune function.
4. 2 green onions, chopped
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Provides vitamins A, C, and K
- Minerals: Source of calcium, iron, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Green onions offer antioxidants and essential vitamins that contribute to overall health and immune support.
5. 2 tablespoons of chili bean paste
- Calories: 30
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and a spicy kick; provides small amounts of minerals but is high in sodium.
6. 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content
- Minerals: Contains potassium and trace amounts of iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor but is high in sodium; adds a small amount of protein.
7. 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine
- Calories: 15
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content
- Minerals: Contains potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds depth of flavor to the dish; has negligible nutritional content but enhances overall taste.
8. 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C
- Minerals: Source of iron and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides unique flavor and aroma; contains antioxidants and supports digestive health.
9. 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- Calories: 15
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content
- Minerals: Contains sodium and trace amounts of other minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor with minimal calories; provides some protein and nutrients depending on the type of broth used.
10. 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- Calories: 30
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content
- Minerals: Minimal mineral content
- Nutritional Benefit: Used as a thickening agent; provides no significant nutritional benefit but is essential for sauce consistency.
11. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E
- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fats for cooking; contributes to calorie intake and adds a small amount of vitamin E.
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