Mapo Tofu Meal Prep

Not so traditional recipe

Mapo Tofu

This week, I made a not-so-traditional Mapo Tofu. While this isn’t a traditional recipe, it’s how I like to make mine. Mapo Tofu is typically made with ground pork, but I prefer using ground beef. The best part? This dish comes together in just 20 minutes. I paired it with a simple stir-fried cabbage with pork belly for a complete meal. Let’s make it!

Mapo Tofu Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb silken tofu

• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns

• 8 oz ground beef

• 2 ½ Tbsp doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)

• 1 Tbsp ginger, minced

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

• 2 tsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 3 Tbsp water (slurry)

• Green onion, for garnish

Directions:

1. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

2. In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorns for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Let cool, then grind with a mortar and pestle.

3. Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in the pan over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain any excess oil.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together:

   • Doubanjiang

   • Ginger

   • Garlic

   • Red pepper flakes

   • Soy sauce

   • Sesame oil

   • Sugar

   • Cornstarch slurry

   • Ground Sichuan peppercorns

5. Once the beef is browned, add the sauce mixture and stir to combine.

   

6. Carefully add the silken tofu and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.

   

7. Garnish with green onions and enjoy!

   

Shredded Cabbage Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp oil

• 8 oz pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb cabbage, shredded

• 2 tsp Shaoxing wine

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce

• ½ tsp sugar

• 1 Tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp rice vinegar

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly and cook until golden brown on both sides.

   

2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add the cabbage, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir frequently.

   

4. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage wilts and releases moisture.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

   

Meal Prep Assembly:

• Divide steamed rice into four meal prep containers.

• Top with the Mapo Tofu.

• Divide the stir-fried cabbage into the containers.

• Store and enjoy throughout the week!

  

Let me know if you give it a try!