Ma Po Tofu With Tempeh

Ingredients

Marinade for Ground Tempeh

• 1 1/2 tablespoons tapioca starch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) package crumbled tempeh
• 1 lb regular tofu (medium firmness)
• 1 leek or 3 green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon preserved black bean
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable stock

Mixture

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• freshly ground szechwan pepper
• oil, for stir-frying as needed

Directions

1. 1

   Mix marinade ingredients. Simmer tempeh in marinade for about 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Cut the tofu (bean curd) into 1/2 inch (1 cm) square cubes, and blanch (drop into boiling water) for 2 - 3 minutes. Remove from boiling water and drain.

3. 3

   Chop the leek or green onions into short lengths.

4. 4

   Heat wok and add oil. When oil is ready, add the marinated tempeh.

5. 5

   Stir-fry tempeh until the color darkens. Add salt and stir. Add the salted black beans. Mash the beans with a cooking ladle until they blend in well with the tempeh. Add the chili paste, then the stock, tofu, and leek or green onions.

6. 6

   Turn down the heat. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes.

7. 7

   While cooking, mix cornstarch, water, and soy sauce together. Add to wok and stir gently. Serve with freshly ground Szechuan pepper.