Chen Mapo Tofu (Authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu)
My tongue is burning and I'm sweating! Authentic Sichuan taste that is different from Japanese Mapo
Description
Completely different from the sweet Japanese version. A dark red, glowing authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu driven by the deep richness of Pixian Doubanjiang, beef mince, and an absolute tongue-paralyzing mountain of Sichuan peppercorns.
Restaurants serving Chen Mapo Tofu (Authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu)
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Firm tofu
- Minced beef
- Pixian Doubanjiang
- Sichuan pepper powder
- Garlic sprouts
- Douchi
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- Cube firm tofu and blanch in salted boiling water to firm it up and draw out moisture.
- Heat generous oil in a wok, thoroughly fry minced beef (beef, not pork, is authentic) until crispy and brown.
- Add premium 'Pixian Doubanjiang', Douchi (black beans), and chili powder, frying on low until the oil bleeds bright red.
- Pour in broth, add tofu, season with soy/sugar, and simmer for a few mins.
- CRUCIAL: Add garlic sprouts. Thicken with starch slurry 'in
- separate additions' to perfectly emulsify the oil and gravy.
- Plate, and finally blanket the entire surface pitch-black with roasted Sichuan pepper powder.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
'Ma' (Numbness) from massive Sichuan peppercorns
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Japanese Mapo Tofu packets (completely diff flavor)
Pairing
White Rice(Nothing else is acceptable)
Trivia
[Trivia] Named after 'Chen', an old woman (Po) with pockmarks (Ma) on her face. Authentic criteria demand 6 elements: Ma (Numbing), La (Spicy), Tang (Hot), Su (Crispy meat), Nen (Soft tofu), and Xiang (Aromatic).
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] The violent numbness of the peppercorns paralyzes your tongue; drinking water tastes like metal. The only correct way is to neutralize the burning heat with white rice while sweating profusely.
Allergen
Beef, Soybeans, Wheat