Mapo Tofu

Ingredients

• 1 ¹/₂ Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¹/₄ pound ground pork
• 1 pound regular tofu (medium firmness)
• 1 leek or 3 green onions
• ¹/₄ tsp salt
• 1 tsp Chinese salted black beans
• 1 Tbsp chili bean paste, or to taste
• 3 Tbsp stock (chicken broth)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp water
• 2 Tbsp light soy sauce
• Freshly ground Szechuan pepper
• 2 - 3 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix marinade ingredients.
2. Marinate pork for about 20 minutes.
3. Cut the tofu (bean curd) into 1/2 inch (1 cm) square cubes, and blanch (drop into boiling water) for 2 - 3 minutes.
4. Remove from boiling water and drain. Chop leek or green onions into short lengths.
5. Heat wok and add oil.
6. When oil is ready, add the marinated pork.
7. Stir-fry pork until the color darkens.
8. Add salt and stir.
9. Add the salted black beans.
10. Mash the beans with a cooking ladle until they blend in well with the meat.
11. Add the chili paste, then the stock, bean curd, and leek or green onions.
12. Turn down the heat. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes.
13. While cooking, mix cornstarch, water, and soy sauce together. Add to wok and stir gently.
14. Serve with freshly ground Szechuan pepper.