Mapo Tofu

Ingredients

Marinade for Ground Pork

• 1 1/2 tablespoons tapioca starch (can substitute cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Other

• 1/4 lb ground pork
• 1 lb regular tofu (medium firmness)
• 1 leek or 3 green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chinese preserved black bean (fermented black beans, also called Chinese black beans)
• 1 tablespoon chili bean paste
• 3 tablespoons chicken stock or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• freshly ground szechwan pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil, for stir-frying, as needed

Directions

1. 1

   Mix marinade ingredients. Marinate pork 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 leek or green onions into short lengths.

4. 4

   Heat wok and add oil. When oil is ready, add the marinated pork. Stir-fry pork 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 meat. Add the chili paste, then the stock, bean curd, and leek or green onions.

5. 5

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

6. 6

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