Mapo Tofu (Mild)

Ingredients

• 14 oz block soft tofu
• 6 oz ground pork
• 1.5 tbsp doubanjiang (mild chili bean paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp sugar(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and gently blanch the tofu for 2 minutes; drain carefully and set aside.

2. 2

   Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions, keeping whites and greens separate. Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl.

3. 3

   Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground pork and cook 3-4 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.

4. 4

   Add garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang; stir-fry 1 minute until fragrant.

5. 5

   Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce, add sugar and Sichuan pepper, and bring to a simmer. Gently add tofu and simmer 5 minutes, spooning sauce over without breaking the cubes.

6. 6

   Stir the cornstarch slurry and drizzle it in while gently stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.

7. 7

   Top with green onion greens and serve hot over steamed rice.