Saturday, July 9, 2011

Ma Po Tofu

Ma Po tofu is a spicy, Chinese dish from Sichuan. It's a combination of tofu set in a spicy chili and bean curd sauce. Pork is commonly added in, but can be left out, based on personal preferences.




Prep. Time: 15 mins.
Cooking Time: 15 mins.
Servings: 3-4
Wine Recommendation: Gerwurtztraminer


Ingredients:

1 lb. Tofu
1 Tbsp chopped Ginger
1 clove chopped garlic
Green Onions, chopped
2 Tbsp Hot Red Bean Paste
1/4 tsp Red Chili Powder
4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Sugar
2 cups Vegetable Broth
4 tsp Cornstarch
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Sesame Oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lb Ground Pork (Optional)

Directions:

Cut the Tofu into bite size pieces.

Stir fry the garlic, hot bean paste, chili powder, black pepper and ginger in the vegetable oil for 2-5 mins.

Add in the sugar, soy sauce, stock and tofu and cook for 5 mins.

Thicken with the cornstarch, green onions and sesame oil and cook for 1-2 mins. longer.

Serve over rice.

Cooking the Pork:
If you're adding in pork, that can be cooked in a separate frying pan until browned and added into each dish individually.