Tips for Experienced Cooks
To elevate the textures and flavors, consider lightly frying the minced garlic before adding it to the sauce for Step 2. This will add a nuanced layer of flavor to your mapo tofu. Additionally, explore the option of incorporating a small amount of sesame oil into the garlic fried rice for an aromatic boost. For garnishing, along with green onions, a sprinkle of Szechuan peppercorns over the spicy mapo tofu could introduce an authentic, mouth-numbing effect that is traditional in Szechuan cuisine.
Step 1: Heat the wok and cook the tofu
In a wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
In the same wok, add the vegetarian oyster sauce, chili bean paste, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and water to the wok. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch mixture. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Step 3: Combine the tofu and sauce
Gently add the cooked tofu back to the wok and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Cooked tofu from Step 1
Step 4: Prepare the garlic fried rice
In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the cooked white rice to the pan, along with soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the rice is heated through.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Serve the spicy mapo tofu alongside the garlic fried rice. Garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy your delicious and spicy mapo tofu with garlic fried rice!
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 16 ounces firm tofu
Seasonings & Spices
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 2 whole green onion
Pantry Items
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup vegetarian oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups cooked white rice