Give this Vegan mapo tofu a try and impress the crowd with simple, satisfying and hearty classic asian dish.
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What is Mapo Tofu
Vegan mapo tofu is a plant-based version of the popular Chinese dish that is traditionally made with ground pork. Instead of pork, vegan mapo tofu uses crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a protein source. The dish is flavored with a spicy and savory sauce made with fermented black beans, chili bean paste, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns. The sauce is then simmered with the tofu and vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and green onions. Vegan mapo tofu is typically served over rice and garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
Why is it called Mapo?
Mapo tofu is a popular Chinese dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. The name “mapo” comes from the name of the woman who is said to have created the dish, a pockmarked old woman (ma po) who ran a small restaurant in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The dish is known for its spicy and numbing flavor, which comes from the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste. The tofu used in the dish is soft and silky, and it is believed that the dish was created as a way to use up leftover tofu. Today, mapo tofu is enjoyed throughout China and around the world, and it is a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine.
Variations
This particular version of Mapo Tofu didn’t have Dobanjang. I just used hoisin, soy sauce and a little vinegar for the sauce. So don’t feel inhibited if you do not have exotic and rare ingredients such as dobanjang or sze chuan peppercorns. Just be aware of the flavor and texture you are going for and feel free to whip up something with what you got.
What you need
- Silken tofu
- Onions
- Bell pepper
- Spring onions
- Hoisin
- Soysauce
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Veg stock or water
- Sesame oil
What to do
- Saute aromatics, onions & garlic
- Add in bell peppers and season with salt
- Add in stock, soy sauce, vinegar & hoisin
- Adjust flavor of sauce, thicken with slurry
- Add in cubed silken tofu
- Drizzle sesame oil
Vegan Mapo Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 Block silken tofu
- 1 Bulb onion
- 1 Piece bell pepper
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp hoisin
- 3 Tbsp soysauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Stalk spring onion
Instructions
- Make sauce by sauteiing aromatics. In a pan with olive oil throw in onions, garlic and bell peppers. I think we have celery in here too. Feel free to saute other veggies you might have. Season as you go.
- Add in liquid. Approximately 3 cups of veg stock and your soy, vinegar, hoisin combo. Adjust the taste. These are just ballparks and a mere guide. Trust your intuition and pay attention to what you are making. When the taste is perfect to your liking, thicken it up with slurry, (cornstarch & water).
- Adjust to desired consistency and add in cubed silken tofu. Avoid mixing too much after the tofu has been added. Garnish with sliced spring onions and serve over rice or noodles.
