Ma-Po Tofu

Ingredients for Ma-Po Tofu

• 60ml chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons hot bean paste

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• Additive-free kosher salt to taste

• 450g regular or soft (not silken) tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons corn, peanut, or canola oil

• 230g pork mince shoulder (preferably 75% lean)

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely minced peeled fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon cornflour dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Japanese sesame oil

• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon toasted Sichuan-peppercorn powder

• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced spring onion

• Accompaniment: steamed rice

How to make Ma-Po Tofu

Stir together broth, bean paste, soy sauce, and kosher salt. Set aside.

Slide tofu into a saucepan of simmering water and keep at a bare simmer while stir-frying rest of dish.

Heat a wok or large heavy skillet over high heat until hot and add 1 1/2 tablespoons corn oil, swirling to coat. Add pork and stir-fry, breaking up lumps and adding remaining 1/2 tablespoons corn oil if meat sticks, until no longer pink. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry over moderate heat until very fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Stir reserved sauce, then add to pork and bring to a simmer. Drain tofu in a large sieve and slide into sauce, stirring gently.

Stir cornflour mixture and add to stir-fry. Bring to a boil, stirring gently, and cook until thickened and glossy, about 15 seconds.

Turn off heat and sprinkle with sesame oil, Sichuan-peppercorn powder to taste, and 2 tablespoons spring onion. Stir once or twice, then serve sprinkled with remaining tablespoon spring onion.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.