Vegetarian Mapo Tofu Recipe

Brace your tastebuds, food aficionados! We’re about to dive into the world of Vegetarian Mapo Tofu, a tasty treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This traditional Sichuan dish, usually made with minced meat, takes a delightful vegetarian twist in our recipe. Our Vegetarian Mapo Tofu is a perfect dish for family meals, potlucks, and even for fancy dinner parties. Its robust flavors and exquisite texture are bound to be a hit with your loved ones!

Whether you’re a tofu lover or new to the tofu game, Vegetarian Mapo Tofu is sure to excite your palate. Loaded with nutrients, it’s not only a healthier alternative but also satisfies your Chinese food cravings. Plus the fiery and aromatic flavors are “tofu”tally irresistible, you will find yourself craving this dish again and again!

Enough with the overview, let’s get to the spicy details, shall we?

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Yield: 1 pan of Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

Ready to start your culinary journey? Buckle up and let’s ride!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 14 oz of tofu, cubed
• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup of mushroom stir-fry sauce
• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
• Spring onions for garnish

Equipment: A wok or large frying pan, bowl and a spatula.

The fresh ginger and garlic enhance the flavor of the dish and the sesame oil adds a hint of nutty-ness. Crushed red pepper flakes give it that trademark spiciness but can be adjusted to taste or omitted. The mushroom stir-fry sauce gives it umami-rich flavors. If you don’t have access to it, you can use a mix of soy sauce and mushroom broth.

How To Make Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in your pan or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, saut�� them until they become fragrant.
3. Add the mushroom stir-fry sauce and red pepper flakes, keep stirring until well combined.
4. In a bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into a little water and pour into the pan, stirring well to thicken the sauce.
5. Add the tofu cubes to the pan, gently toss to coat the tofu with the sauce. Be careful not to break the tofu.
6. Let this mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
7. Finish your dish by drizzling sesame oil and garnish with chopped spring onions before serving. Enjoy!

Tips For The Best Results

• Use medium-firm tofu for the best texture.
• Marinate tofu for at least an hour for more flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: This can be adjusted to your preference by adding or reducing the amount of crushed red pepper.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this?
A: Yes! Feel free to add your favorite veggies.

Q: Can I replace tofu with another protein?
A: Absolutely! You can use tempeh or seitan as tofu substitutes.

Q: How long can I store the leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare everything except the tofu and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, cook the tofu, add it to the sauce and heat it up.

Nutritional Facts of Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

Each serving contains: Calories: 310; Sugar: 3.5g; Sodium: 750mg; Fat: 18g; Protein: 20g; Carbs: 15g

That’s all, folks! That’s our take on the fantabulous Vegetarian Mapo Tofu! Go ahead, try it out. We’re sure this will be a smashing hit at your next dinner or lunch. Feel free to serve this with a side of jasmine rice or some lovely steamed veggies. Enjoy!