Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu: Meatless Take on a Spicy Classic

Introduction

Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu offers a delightful twist on the traditional Sichuan dish by replacing the meat with tofu while still maintaining the signature bold and spicy flavors. This meatless rendition is not only delicious but also a great option for vegetarians looking to enjoy an iconic Chinese dish. Follow this recipe to recreate the aromatic and spicy flavors of Ma Po Tofu in a vegetarian-friendly version.

Ingredients

For this Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu recipe, you will need:

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons of vegetarian oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1-2 teaspoons of Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1-2 teaspoons of chili bean paste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into small cubes and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green onions. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped fermented black beans and continue to cook for another minute.
4. Stir in vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the cubed tofu, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and chili bean paste. Gently mix to coat the tofu evenly with the sauce.
7. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Once the tofu is heated through, remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy your flavorful Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu!

FAQ About Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu

What is Ma Po Tofu?

Ma Po Tofu is a traditional Chinese dish originating from the Sichuan province, known for its spicy and numbing flavors. It typically consists of tofu, minced meat, fermented black beans, and a spicy chili and bean-based sauce.

How do you make Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu?

To make Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu, simply replace the minced meat with ingredients like finely chopped mushrooms, textured vegetable protein, or plant-based ground “meat.” The rest of the recipe remains the same, creating a delicious meatless version of this classic dish.

Is Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu spicy?

Yes, Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu retains the signature spicy flavor of the traditional dish. The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of chili paste or powder used in the recipe, catering to individual preferences for spice.