Easy Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl (No Doubanjiang)
Easy Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl (No Doubanjiang)
Homemade Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl: A Delicious One-Bowl Meal Without Doubanjiang
Let’s make a simple and delicious Mapo Tofu rice bowl. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal without needing doubanjiang.
Main Ingredients- 1 block tofu
- 1 handful chives
- 1/3 onion
- 1/4 carrot
- 100g ground pork or thinly sliced pork
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re making a delicious Mapo Tofu rice bowl without using doubanjiang! This recipe is especially practical because you can make it with ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s a fantastic one-bowl meal, so let’s cook it deliciously together!
Step 2
First, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5cm. Boil some lightly salted water and briefly blanch the tofu for about 1 minute. This step firms up the tofu and removes any unwanted flavors. After blanching, drain the tofu thoroughly in a colander.
Step 3
Finely chop the onion and carrot. Cut the chives into similar lengths. Having your vegetables prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 4
Heat a little oil in a pan. Add minced garlic if you like (optional) and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the ground pork and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Break up any clumps as you cook. Once the pork releases some oil, add the chopped onion and carrot, and stir-fry together until the vegetables become translucent.
Step 5
Now, let’s build the flavor! Instead of doubanjiang, add 1 tsp of doenjang and 1 tsp of gochujang. Stir them well. Next, add 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to let the seasonings coat the pork and vegetables. Add 1 tsp of gochugaru (chili powder) and stir briefly, being careful not to burn it, to infuse the oil with a spicy aroma. Finally, add a small amount of water (about 50ml) and let it simmer to help the flavors meld.
Step 6
Once the sauce is simmering, gently add the drained tofu and the chopped chives. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the tofu, and let it cook for about 1 minute. For the final touch, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water to create a slurry. Gradually pour this slurry into the pan while stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Once thickened, turn off the heat.
Step 7
Serve the delicious Mapo Tofu generously over a bowl of hot steamed rice. This one-bowl meal is complete and satisfying, requiring no additional side dishes. Enjoy your flavorful Mapo Tofu rice bowl!
