Let’s dive into a recipe that’s perfect for adding some spice and variety to your meals: Spicy Vegetarian Tofu Delight, also known as Mapo Tofu. This dish is a fantastic blend of tofu, spices, and bold flavors, perfect for a quick dinner or a flavorful lunch.
What I love about this dish is how the tofu soaks up all the spicy goodness, making each bite a burst of flavor. It’s not just tasty but also a great way to enjoy a vegetarian meal without feeling like you’re missing out. Plus, tofu is a fantastic source of protein, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
How Healthy is this Spicy Vegetarian Tofu Delight (Mapo Tofu) Dish?
Let’s talk about how healthy this dish is. Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also low in calories and contains no cholesterol, making it heart-friendly. The spices in this dish, like chili peppers and garlic, have numerous health benefits, including boosting metabolism and supporting the immune system. Additionally, this recipe is packed with vegetables, adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal. It’s a well-rounded dish that supports a balanced diet.
I enjoy making this dish because it’s versatile and fun. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, add some extra veggies, or even serve it with rice for a more filling meal. It’s a dish that’s easy to customize and make your own.
So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! This Spicy Vegetarian Tofu Delight is sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. Happy cooking!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Spicy Vegetarian Tofu Delight (Mapo Tofu)
- Handling Tofu: Soft tofu can be delicate and break easily. Use a wide spatula and handle it gently when stirring and transferring to the plate.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly fry the tofu cubes in a small amount of oil until they are golden before adding them to the sauce.
- Ingredient Substitutes: If you can’t find Doubanjiang or Shaoxing wine, use a mix of hoisin sauce and dry sherry or mirin as substitutes.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil to control the heat level to your preference.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli to add more texture and nutrition to the dish.
- Mushroom Soaking Liquid: Ensure you use the reserved mushroom soaking liquid as it adds depth to the flavor of the sauce. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to avoid any debris.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or additional green onions for a burst of freshness.
Spicy Vegetarian Tofu Delight
Dive into the tantalizing world of Spicy Vegetarian Tofu Delight! This dish packs all the bold, mouth-watering flavors of traditional mapo tofu but with a vegetarian twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is bursting with umami and a hint of heat that will leave you craving more. Learn the secrets to making this flavor-packed dish that’s both easy and satisfying.
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes191
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Mushrooms
4 large dried shiitake mushrooms (or 6 small ones)
- Spice Mix
2 tablespoons fermented broad bean paste (Doubanjiang)
1 tablespoon black bean garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground Sichuan peppercorns
- Cooking
2 to 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or any vegetable oil)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 inch piece of ginger, finely minced
2 teaspoons Shaoxing rice wine
1 cup reserved mushroom soaking liquid
1 block soft tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/8 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Slurry
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
- Garnish
Homemade chili oil (optional)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Tofu: Firm or medium tofu can be used instead of soft tofu.
Peanut Oil: Substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil.
Shaoxing Wine: Replace with dry sherry or mirin.
Black Bean Sauce: Use hoisin sauce or miso paste as an alternative.
Sichuan Peppercorns: Use regular black pepper if unavailable.
Directions
- Prepare Mushrooms – Place the dried shiitake mushrooms in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until they become soft. Squeeze out excess water and clean off any debris. Finely chop the mushrooms into small pieces and reserve the soaking water.
- Mix Spices – In a small bowl, combine the Doubanjiang, black bean garlic sauce, and ground Sichuan peppercorns.
- Cook Aromatics – Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat until warm. Reduce to medium-low heat and add the spice mix. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables – Add the chopped shiitake mushrooms, green onions, and minced ginger to the pan. Cook and stir until the aromatics are lightly browned and the oil turns a reddish hue. Pour in the Shaoxing wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Carefully pour in the reserved mushroom soaking water (avoid adding debris). Add the five-spice powder and sugar, stirring to dissolve. Gently place the tofu cubes in the broth in a single layer. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gradually add half of the slurry to the tofu mixture while gently stirring with a spatula. Add more slurry until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Taste a piece of tofu with some sauce and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
- Serve – Transfer the tofu mixture to a serving plate. Optionally, drizzle with homemade chili oil for an authentic look and extra flavor. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 191kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17.5g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 11.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 470mg
- Potassium: 268mg
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 6.3g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 135mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ – Spicy Vegetarian Tofu Delight (Mapo Tofu)
What type of tofu should I use for this recipe?
Soft tofu is recommended for this recipe as it absorbs the flavors well and provides a delicate texture. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can use firm or medium tofu.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of Doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns to lower the heat. Additionally, you can omit the chili oil garnish if you prefer a milder flavor.
What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
If Shaoxing wine is not available, you can use dry sherry or mirin as substitutes. Both will add a similar depth of flavor to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish?
While tofu can change texture when frozen, it is possible to freeze the dish. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free versions of ingredients like Doubanjiang and black bean sauce. Always check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli can enhance the nutritional value and add extra texture to the dish. Simply add them during the cooking process after the aromatics.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more of the cornstarch slurry. Add it gradually while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
