Mapo Tofu Recipe
Mapo Tofu recipe with a mild spice level. Perfect for those who can't handle too much spice.
Ingredients
- 1 Box Silken Tofu 450 grams
- 2 Cloves Garlic Finely Minced
- 2 Scallions Finely Chopped
- 1 Pack Preserved Mustard Stem Sliced 70grams
- 70 grams Ground Pork
Seasonings for the pork
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp soy sauce
For the sauce
- 1 tsp Chili Garlic Sauce
- 1 tsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Cooking Oil
Instructions
- Wrap the silken tofu in a paper towel. Put a weighted object (like a small saucepan) on the silken tofu to press out excess water. Once drained, cut into bite-sized cubes. Put tofu cubes in fridge uncovered for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Remove from fridge 10 minutes before cooking.
- Season the minced pork for about 20 minutes
- Mince the garlic. Chop the scallion. Chop the preserved mustard stems. Set aside for use.
- Put stove to medium high heat and add some vegetable cooking oil into a frying pan. When the oil is hot, add the ground pork and let it sit in the oil to brown for approximately 2 minutes. Flip over to cook evenly.
- Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Add preserved mustard stems and stir for 1 minute. Add chili garlic sauce and stir to combine.
- Add oyster sauce and dark soy sauce and stir to coat.
- Add cubed tofu and gently toss to incorporate. Be careful not to crush the tofu. Add water and let everything cook for 3-5 minutes at medium heat.
- Add the scallions, stir, and remove frying pan from heat.
Notes
1. By pressing the water out of the tofu, and drying it out in the fridge the silken tofu maintains its shape and softness. There are tofu presses available but using paper towels and a weighted object, like a small cast iron smores pan as in the picture does a perfect job too.
2. The small grater is handy for mincing garlic. Usually available at any kitchen appliances stores, although I found mine at The Bulk Barn. Kitchen scissors are great in cutting up scallions.