Vegan Mapo Tofu
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Vegan Mapo Tofu
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PT10M
PT10M
Prep Time
10 minsCook Time
10-11 minsFree Time
to take a Chinese lesson on Duolingo
This classic Chinese recipe bubbles over with aroma and flavor thanks to umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, fermented black beans, and Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang). It’s fiery and tingly and numbingly spicy in the best kind of way. The classic version includes ground meat, but you won’t miss it in this vegan version where the spice is the star of the show. Best enjoyed over rice for a respite from the heat.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.
The Anyhand Mitts
Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Ingredients
- 3-4 (60g) shiitake mushrooms (fresh or rehydrated if dried), diced
- ½ teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, ground
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons fermented black beans (douchi)
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- ⅔ cup (160ml) vegetable stock or water
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 7 oz (200g) silken tofu, diced medium
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Preparation
- Add the mushrooms, Sichuan peppercorns, oil, ginger, garlic, fermented black beans, and chili bean paste to the Anyday dish. Stir to mix. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add vegetable stock and soy sauce and stir to mix. Carefully place the tofu in the sauce. Cover and cook for 6 minutes, or until the mapo tofu is hot
- In a separate small bowl, stir cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add to the Anyday dish. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of scallions, if using.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Serve over steamed rice and add more spice to your liking.
- Try with a side of green vegetables.
Recipe notes
- This dish tastes even better when reheated. Save for up to 3 days and reheat as needed.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
