Spicy Redbloom Mapo Tofu Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Redbloom Mapo Tofu brings warmth and bold flavors right to your dinner table. Packed with savory pork, silky tofu, and spicy chili oil, this iconic Sichuan dish is simple yet impressively flavorful. Perfect for weeknight meals, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes and guarantees satisfaction in every spicy bite.

Quick Overview (Video Recipe)

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving

• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) soft tofu, cut into cubes

• 4 oz (115g) ground pork

• 1 tsp minced ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp)

• 2 tbsp doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine

• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken stock or water

• ½ tsp sugar

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

• 1 stalk scallion, thinly sliced

• 1-2 tsp spicy Redbloom chili oil (to taste)

• 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil

• Salt, for boiling tofu

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Medium pot

• Large frying pan or wok

• Spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Serving bowls

Method

Prepare Tofu

Step 1: Boil the Tofu
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add tofu cubes, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Carefully drain tofu and set aside.

Cook Ground Pork

Step 2: Sauté the Pork
Heat neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook until nearly done, stirring frequently, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Step 3: Add Ginger and Garlic
Add minced ginger and garlic to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until aromatic and fragrant.

Enhance the Spicy Flavor

Step 4: Stir in Doubanjiang
Add spicy doubanjiang (bean paste) to the pan. Cook and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, coating pork thoroughly and intensifying the spicy fragrance.

Create the Sauce Base

Step 5: Combine Seasonings and Stock
Pour Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken stock (or water) into the pan. Stir well and let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.

Thicken the Sauce

Step 6: Add Cornstarch Slurry
Mix cornstarch with water, creating a smooth slurry. Slowly pour it into the pan, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Gently Fold in Tofu

Step 7: Incorporate the Tofu Cubes
Carefully fold tofu cubes into the sauce, gently heating them through to prevent breaking. Allow tofu to absorb the rich, spicy sauce.

Final Spicy Touch

Step 8: Finish with Oils
Drizzle sesame oil and spicy Redbloom chili oil over the dish. This adds an extra layer of spicy, nutty flavor and vibrant heat.

Garnish and Serve

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle thinly sliced scallion greens on top for a fresh and vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while hot, alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Conclusion

Your Spicy Redbloom Mapo Tofu is ready to savor! This delicious Sichuan classic delivers bold heat and satisfying textures. It's an ideal dish for anyone craving warmth, spice, and a touch of culinary adventure at home.

Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Redbloom Mapo Tofu!