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Easy Mapo Tofu Recipe

Updated on April 11, 2015

Mapo tofu simmered ground pork with tofu in 3 easy steps

If you do not like tofu, this Mapo tofu recipe will make you into a convert. Known for its spiciness, this Szechuan dish can be toned down to your liking. Ground pork, tofu, store-bought packaged Mapo tofu sauce and green onions are the four ingredients needed to make this super easy recipe.

Tofu is sold in most mainstream grocery stores and comes in firm, medium firm or soft consistency.The prepared Mapo Tofu sauce is what makes this recipe so easy to make and is conveniently available online. This cuts down the need for sesame oil, black bean paste, Szechuan peppercorn, chili bean paste and a host of other ingredients. Throw in some chopped green onions and dinner or lunch is ready in three easy steps.

Take a short break and take this quick poll

Have you ever tried mapo tofu dish before?

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These are the ingredients you will need - 1 package tofu, 1 package Mapo Tofu sauce, 1/2 lb. ground pork, chopped green onions

Packaged tofu are readily available in almost all supermarkets as soy is a good source of protein. All health-conscious folks will attest to that. For this recipe I chose the medium firm organic tofu which was on sale for $.99 at the local Asian store. Mapo Tofu packaged sauce already has the black bean paste and spices that give it the distinct kick. Depending on how hot you want it, this is available in hot, medium mild and mild. I opted for the medium mild. Add some chopped green onions, whether plucked from your own garden or store-bought, and you are all set to making this incredible dish.

Ready to go - Mapo Tofu sauce - How spicy do you want it? Hot, medium hot and mild

Let's get started

Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into 10-inch skillet - Set temperature to medium high

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Add 4 oz. of ground pork - about 1/2 lb. - Stir until evenly browned about 5 minutes

Add Mapo Tofu sauce - This is the secret ingredient

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Simmer sauce with meat for 2 minutes - Allow the spices to meld with the ground pork

Cut tofu into cubes - Tofu comes in firm, medium firm and soft.

Open the tofu package and throw out the liquid. Score the tofu with a sharp knife right in the container.

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Add cubed tofu into meat sauce

Add and simmer tofu with meat sauce for another 2 minutes - Tofu tends to break apart so be careful when blending

NOTE: Medium firm tofu will hold its shape when blended with the meat sauce. Soft tofu, which I really prefer, will fall apart when tossed around too much. This is what happened when I made this dish the second time. Next time around, I will stick with the medium firm tofu.

Add chopped green onions - Serve with steamed white rice - better than "take out"

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These white serving bowls can turn any meal from casual to formal. Serve Italian food, beef stew, Chinese Mapo Tofu, Hungarian Ghoulash and what have you. You will have many years of enjoyment.
 

Take another quick poll - Now that you have seen how Mapo tofu dish is made, would you like to try making it?

Yes, I think I will.

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Mapo Tofu made famous by anime

Did you know mapo tofu is the favorite dish of an anime character named Kanade?

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