How to cook Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious and spicy Vegetarian Mapo Tofu that can serve about 4 people. This dish is a Szechuan classic originally made with minced meat, but here, we swap it for mushrooms and other delicious vegetarian ingredients.

Vegetarian Mapo Tofu in the photo.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar (black vinegar) or rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 block of firm tofu (about 14 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 200g (about 7 oz) mushrooms (shiitake or button), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns (adjust for spice preference)
• 1-2 green onions (scallions), chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu:
   • Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a weight on top for about 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut it into cubes.
2. Make the Sauce:
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   • In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, Doubanjiang, Chinkiang vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Cook the Tofu:
   • In a non-stick or cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
   • Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped mushrooms. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked and all moisture has evaporated.
5. Combine Ingredients:
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   • Stir in the Szechuan peppercorns and the prepared sauce. Return the tofu to the skillet and gently coat all the ingredients with the sauce.
   • If you’d like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously to incorporate.
6. Cook Everything Together:
   • Allow the tofu to simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the tofu absorb the flavors.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy!