Mapo Tofu (Mabo Dofu): A Spicy Classic Comfort Dish
Mapo Tofu is another classic comfort dish from Hawaii. It’s a simple meal that will satisfy your spicy craving and keep your tummy full and warm.
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What is Mapo Tofu?
Growing up part Japanese in Hawaii, another childhood dish my dad cooked up was Mabo Dofu. Mabo Dofu is the Japanese version of a popular Chinese dish called Mapo Tofu. With a local twist, this Mabo Dofu dish has a milder taste compared to the original Mapo Tofu. Serve it hot and as usual, with steamed rice.
Where can you find Mapo Tofu?
Here are some places where you can find this dish depending on your location:
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- Chinese Restaurants: Many offer it, though it might be less spicy or adapted to local tastes.
- Asian Supermarkets: Some brands sell pre-packaged or ready-to-eat versions of Mapo Tofu. You can find them most of the time in the frozen or refrigerated sections.
What ingredients are used in Mapo Tofu?
This local dish typically features:
Suggested ingredients
Chili oil can enhance the spiciness of the dish. To elevate the dish, try a splash of Chinese Wine. You can also replace ground pork with ground turkey.
To make the dish more hearty, add more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, sliced carrots, etc.
How do you make Mapa Tofu?
To make Mapo Tofu there are a few steps to follow:
- In a wok, brown the ground pork in the oil.
- Add in the chili peppers, togarashi spice, ginger, and garlic. Stir fry for about 5 minutes.
- Add in the onions and stir fry until the onions are slightly translucent.
- On the side combine chicken broth, shoyu (soy sauce), cornstarch in a bowl.
- Stir in the chili bean sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil to the wok.
- Then add in the chicken broth mixture. Constantly stir until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add in the cubed and drained tofu. Lightly stir so it doesn’t break up the tofu. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the tofu has soaked up some of the sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!
Are there similar recipes?
If you are in the mood for more ground pork recipes like Mapo Tofu, try out these recipes:
Tips & FAQs
How can I make Mapo Tofu less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili peppers, sriracha, and togarashi spice.
Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and substitute it with diced mushrooms, plant-based ground “meat,” or crumbled tofu.
What type of tofu should I use?
Soft or medium-firm tofu works best as it absorbs the sauce well while maintaining its texture. Silken tofu can also be used for an even softer texture.
What can I serve Mapo Tofu with?
It’s traditionally served with steamed white rice. You can also pair it with noodles, fried rice, or steamed vegetables.
Give this onolicious recipe a try! If you did give it a try, please leave a comment with a star rating below. Mahalo!
Mapo Tofu (Mabo Dofu)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground pork
- 3 dried red chili peppers (substitue for Hawaiian chili peppers)
- 1 tsp togarashi spice
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp garlic
- ½ sweet Maui onion
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp shoyu (soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Chinese chili bean sauce
- 3 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 package medium firm tofu (can use soft tofu)
- Green onions for garnishing
Instructions
- Heat a wok over medium high heat. Add in the oil and brown the ground pork.
- Add in the chili peppers, togarashi spice, ginger, and garlic. Stir fry for about 5 minutes.
- Add in the onions and stir fry until the onions are slightly translucent.
- On the side combine chicken broth, shoyu (soy sauce), and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Stir in the chili bean sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil to the wok.
- Then add in the chicken broth mixture. Constantly stir until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add in the cubed and drained tofu. Lightly stir so it doesn’t break up the tofu. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the tofu has soaked up some of the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, serve over hot rice and enjoy!
