Ma Po Tofu Recipe in English | How To Make Ma Po Tofu

If you are a fan of spicy food and are looking for something new to try, the Ma Po Tofu recipe is an excellent dish to explore. Originating from the Sichuan province in China, this classic dish is well-known for its fiery taste, savory flavor, and soft tofu. In this article, we will guide you through a straightforward and easy-to-follow recipe to make Ma Po Tofu at home. Let’s begin and bring some heat to your taste buds!

Origin of Ma Po Tofu

Ma Po Tofu is a popular Sichuan Chinese dish that is named after the woman who is believed to have invented it. The name “Ma Po” roughly translates to “pockmarked grandma” in English, referring to the appearance of the woman who is said to have created the dish. It is a spicy and flavorful dish made with tofu, ground meat, chili bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. It is known for its numbing and spicy flavor profile and has become popular both within and outside of China.

Recipe for Ma Po Tofu

Ingredients

To make Ma Po Tofu, you will need the following ingredients:

• 14 ounces soft tofu
• 1/4 cup ground pork
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients let’s get started with the recipe:

1. Cut the tofu into small cubes and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a deep skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the Sichuan peppercorns to the oil and cook until fragrant.
4. Remove the Sichuan peppercorns and discard.
5. Add the ground pork to the wok and cook until browned.
6. Add the chili bean paste, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped green onions to the wok.
7. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
8. Add the chicken stock, soy sauce, and sugar to the wok.
9. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a separate bowl until smooth.
10. Add the cornstarch mixture to the wok and stir well.
11. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
12. Add the tofu cubes to the wok and gently stir until coated with the sauce.
13. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tofu is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
14. Add salt to taste.
15. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Important cooking tips to keep in mind when making Ma Po Tofu

1. Use firm tofu: It’s important to use firm tofu when making Ma Po Tofu as it holds its shape better and doesn’t break apart as easily as soft tofu.
2. Prep all your ingredients beforehand: Ma Po Tofu comes together quickly once you start cooking, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you begin.
3. Don’t overcook the tofu: Tofu can become tough and rubbery if it’s overcooked, so be sure to add it to the pan towards the end of cooking and gently stir it in.
4. Adjust the spiciness to your taste: Ma Po Tofu is meant to be spicy, but the level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you’re not used to spicy food, you can start with a smaller amount of chili bean paste or Sichuan peppercorns and gradually increase it as you get used to the heat.
5. Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan is ideal for making Ma Po Tofu as it prevents the tofu from sticking to the bottom of the pan and breaking apart.
6. Garnish with green onions: Adding chopped green onions to the finished dish not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that balances out the spiciness of the dish.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Ma Po Tofu turns out perfectly every time.

Cooking time to make Ma Po Tofu

Process	Cooking Time
Prep time	15 minutes
Cook the meat	10 minutes
Saute the aromatics	5 minutes
Add the sauce	5 minutes
Add the tofu	3 minutes
Thicken the sauce	2 minutes
Garnish and serve	N/A
Total Cooking Time	40 minutes

Note: This is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking method used.

Nutrition facts per 100g of Ma Po Tofu

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	150
Total fat	10g
Saturated fat	1.5g
Trans fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	450mg
Total Carbohydrates	8g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	1g
Protein	8g

Note: These nutrition facts are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking method used.

What does Ma Po tofu mean?

Ma Po Tofu (麻婆豆腐) is a Chinese dish that originated in Sichuan province. The name “Ma Po” is a reference to the woman who is believed to have created the dish. “Ma” (麻) means “numbing”, which refers to the Sichuan peppercorns used in the dish, while “Po” (婆) means “old woman” or “grandmother”. “Tofu” (豆腐) refers to the soft and silky bean curd used in the dish. So, Ma Po Tofu can be translated as “Pockmarked Grandma’s Tofu” or “Numbing Spicy Tofu”, depending on how you interpret the name.

What does Ma Po tofu taste like?

Ma Po Tofu has a unique and complex flavor profile that is known for being both numbing and spicy. The dish typically has a soft and silky texture from the tofu, and a slightly grainy texture from the ground meat. The flavor comes from the combination of chili bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and other aromatics like garlic and ginger. The dish is known for its heat, which can be quite intense, but is also balanced out by the numbing quality of the Sichuan peppercorns. Overall, Ma Po Tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is beloved by many.

Does Ma Po tofu have meat?

Yes, traditional Ma Po Tofu does contain meat. The dish is typically made with ground pork or beef, which is cooked with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions. The cooked meat is then combined with chili bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings to create the flavorful sauce that is mixed with the tofu. However, vegetarian and vegan versions of Ma Po Tofu can also be made by substituting the meat with ingredients like mushrooms or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Ma po tofu in Chinese

In Chinese, Ma Po Tofu is written as 麻婆豆腐 (Má pó dòufǔ).

Related FAQ

Conclusion

Ma Po Tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that you can easily make at home. This recipe is simple, quick, and delicious. With the right ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a fiery and savory dish that will impress your friends and family.

Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of Ma Po Tofu.

And don’t forget to share your opinion in the comment below.