Mapo Tofu (season 2, episode 1)
Mapo Tofu. Photo by Danny Y. Huang.
Ingredients
Ground Pork/beef (2 burger patties would be nice, just remember to loosen it first)
Tofu (the firmer the better)
Spicy bean paste *
Garlic
Ginger (optional)
Scallion
* or fermented black bean paste + your favorite chili sauce
Cost: $4**
**A whole bottle of bean paste costs around $3, but we are using only a small amount; the same applies to vegetables. The pack of tofu I bought cost only $1.09.
Instructions
- Heat oil in wok.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and some of the spring onion stems (it should sizzle if the oil is hot enough).
- When you can smell the garlic-ky goodness, add the ground meat and stir to loosen it.
- When the meat starts to change color and become more opaque, and when the smell hits the 'sweet spot', add the spicy bean paste and the remainder of the spring onion stems.
- Salt in the bean paste should cause the meat to release its juices. As the liquid evaporates, the flavors will be more concentrated and the meat will be partially steamed. Add tofu when most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Stir gently and let stew for about 3 minutes. This ensures the meat is cooked and heats up the tofu.
- Serve. (garnish with cilantro, optional)
April 26th, 2010 - 16:47
Steven
Thanks so much for cooking for my son Alex Smigelski. I am a big fan of your website. I am making my husband Maypo Tofu tonight. He does not eat tofu so i am substituting shrimp. The chili bean sauce i bought is very spicy. i will let you know how it goes.
Beth Smigelski
April 26th, 2010 - 22:21
Ms. Smigelski,
Thank you so much for commenting on the site! It brings me great pleasure to know that I have culinary friends across the wide cyber divide who are actually exist!
It’s been a pleasure to cook with Alex and I’m very impressed at how responsible he is at cleaning and just hanging out. Thank you for having lent him your wonderful utensils and plates as well. The receptacles with which the food is served does make a difference in the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Let me know how the dish turned out and please, share this site with your friends and family. I will be in Williamstown for a year more and growing this site is going to be my project!
Steven