Meatless Mapo Tofu

 It's raining all day and I'm thinking of a nice dish to keep me a bit warm the whole day. I'm craving for something oriental and healthy. I suddenly thought of a Chinese dish called Mapo Tofu but I'm thinking of having a plain tofu without meat added. So, I experimented on cooking it without meat and I love it!




Here's what you'll be needing for the recipe:


1 pound regular tofu (medium firmness)
1 leek or 3 green onions
1/4 tsp. salt and pepper
1 1/2 tsp. Chinese salted black beans (fermented black beans)
1 clove garlic
2 Tbsp. oil for stir-frying
1  Tbsp. chili-garlic paste
half a cup of stock (chicken broth)
1 Tbsp cornstarch
3 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp light soy sauce


Procedure:


1. Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch square cubes, and drop into boiling water for 2 - 3 minutes. Remove from boiling water and drain. Set aside.


2. Chop leek or green onions into short lengths. Then peel and finely chop the garlic. Set aside.


3. Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the chili-garlic paste and the chopped garlic. Stir-fry until aromatic (for 30 seconds). 


4. Lower the heat and add the Chinese salted black beans and the tofu cubes. Cook over medium heat until the tofu is browned ( around 8 to 10 minutes). Add chicken broth. Stir in the green onion.


5. While cooking, mix cornstarch, water, and soy sauce together. Add to wok and stir gently. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently and simmer for 10 seconds until the sauce becomes thick.


6. Serve. 




This serving is good for 2-4 people




Mapo Tofu a deliciously hot and spicy dish that you and your family will surely love!
Perfect for cold and rainy day.