Are you ready to dive into a dish that brings the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine right to your kitchen? This Spicy Mapo Tofu with Minced Chicken Recipe is sure to awaken your taste buds with its fiery and savory profile. Perfect for those who love a little heat, this dish combines silky tofu with juicy minced chicken and a punchy sauce that ties it all together.
This recipe is a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With its harmonious blend of spicy, numbing, and umami flavors, it’s a meal that can impress your guests or simply satisfy your craving for something deliciously daring.
Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking Asian dishes; this recipe is straightforward and accessible. In no time, you’ll be serving a plate that looks as good as it tastes!
Exploring the Flavors of Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu with Minced Chicken is a dish that encapsulates the essence of Sichuan cuisine. It is known for its rich and bold flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The combination of silky tofu and juicy minced chicken creates a delightful texture that is both comforting and satisfying.
This dish is not just about spiciness; it offers a complex profile that balances heat, umami, and a slight numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor, making this dish a wonderful experience for anyone who enjoys a bit of spice in their meals.
The Role of Ingredients
The ingredients used in this Mapo Tofu with Minced Chicken Recipe are simple yet impactful. Soft tofu serves as the base, soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce while maintaining its tender consistency. Minced chicken adds a hearty element, creating a satisfying contrast against the smooth tofu.
Additionally, the sauce is made with key components like doubanjiang, which provides the fiery kick, and chicken broth that enriches the overall taste. The aromatic garlic and ginger elevate the dish, making it a feast for the senses.
Preparation Steps for Success
Preparing Mapo Tofu is a straightforward process that can easily fit into your weeknight routine. Start by cutting the tofu into cubes and mincing garlic and ginger. This initial step is key to ensuring each bite is filled with flavor.
Cooking the chicken until browned adds depth to the dish. Following this, sautéing the aromatics in the same pan allows the flavors to meld beautifully, setting up the base for the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Mapo Tofu with Minced Chicken is best served hot, garnished with bright green onions that add a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, allowing you to balance the spiciness of the dish.
For an inviting presentation, serve the dish in a white bowl against a rustic wooden table. This not only emphasizes the vibrant colors of the dish but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for your meal.
Nutrition and Portioning
This dish is not only flavorful but also provides a hearty meal with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Each serving contains approximately 290 calories, making it a filling option without being overly heavy.
With 20 grams of protein per serving, it can serve as a great option for those looking to enjoy a protein-rich meal. Plus, you can easily adjust portion sizes based on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Enjoying the Experience
Enjoying Mapo Tofu with Minced Chicken is as much about the taste as it is about the experience. Gather your loved ones around the table, and share in the delight of a meal that is both comforting and exciting.
Don’t hesitate to explore variations of the dish, whether through adjusting the spice level or adding other ingredients. The versatility of this recipe makes it a great canvas for creativity in the kitchen.
Deliciously Spicy Mapo Tofu with Minced Chicken
This Mapo Tofu with Minced Chicken Recipe features tofu that absorbs all the rich flavors of the sauce while remaining tender, complemented perfectly by the minced chicken that adds a hearty texture. The resulting dish is spicy, savory, and slightly numbing, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 400g soft tofu, cut into cubes
- 250g minced chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the tofu into cubes and mince the garlic and ginger.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Sauce Components: Stir in the doubanjiang, soy sauce, and rice wine. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Combine with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Gently add the tofu cubes and cooked minced chicken back into the pan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over cooked rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 290kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
