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5 from 1 vote

Crispy Mapo Tofu

A crispy version of the classic mapo tofu with a flavorful sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Asian, Dinner, lunch
Keyword: Asian, Dinner, tofu, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces - firm tofu - diced into bite size chunks
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for shallow pan frying
  • 1/4 cup Anaheim chili peppers - finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger - minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic - minced
  • 1/4 cup green onions - sliced thinly more for garnish
  • 1/2 pound mild ground pork sausage
  • 1 tablespoon black sesame oil - regular sesame oil will work too.
  • 3 tablespoons red miso paste
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - you can use ground szechuan peppercorns if you have them for a more tradition taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 1-3 teaspoons red pepper flakes - depending on heat preference

Instructions

  • Dice the tofu into bite sized chunks.
  • Add egg to a bowl and whisk it.
  • Dip the tofu in the egg and coat each piece.
  • Add corn starch to another bowl and add the tofu chunks to that mixture and coat the pieces.
  • Add enough oil to a pan so you can shallow fry your tofu. No need to make it super deep.
  • In a heavy bottomed pan, add and heat oil to around 350 F.. (I add a popcorn kernel to my oil and when it pops it should be ready, I have however had kernels not pop so it's not a fool proof method, a cooking thermometer is the best for accurate temperatures.}
  • You can add one piece of tofu first to see if the oil is ready and adjust temperatures up or down from there.
  • Fry the tofu until the outsides are lightly golden and crispy.
  • When they are done, place them on a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
  • In a large pan or wok, add your Anaheim chili peppers, ginger, garlic, green onions, pork sausage and black sesame oil.
  • Saute over medium high heat until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are softened.
  • In a bowl, mix together red miso paste, water, cornstarch, black pepper, soy sauce, salt, sugar, sriracha and red pepper flakes.
  • Add to stir fried pork and vegetables.
  • Bring mixture to boil and stir until mixture thickens slightly.
  • Reduce to a simmer and add crispy tofu, Gently stir until tofu is coated.
  • Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
  • Add sliced green onions or sesame seeds as garnish.