Spicy & Savory Mapo Tofu Without Doubanjiang or Oyster Sauce
Spicy & Savory Mapo Tofu Without Doubanjiang or Oyster Sauce
Easy Mapo Tofu Recipe Using Fridge Staples – No Doubanjiang or Oyster Sauce Needed!
Perfect for using up leftover vegetables, this Mapo Tofu is a fantastic fridge-cleaning dish! Enjoy a flavorful and spicy version of Mapo Tofu at home, easily and quickly, even without doubanjiang or oyster sauce. Serve it over a steaming bowl of hot rice for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 Onions
- 1 Red potato (or regular potato)
- A little Bell pepper (use various colors for visual appeal)
- A little Green pepper
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 200g Ground or thinly sliced pork
- 1/2 block Tofu (firm or silken)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop or thinly slice the onions. Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions slowly, ensuring they don’t burn, until they become translucent and release their sweet aroma. Cooking the onions thoroughly is key to the dish’s flavor.
Step 2
Once the onions are well sautéed, add the peeled and bite-sized red potato chunks and stir-fry together until the potatoes are slightly tender. Then, add the colorful bell peppers, green peppers, and finely chopped Korean green chili pepper, and stir-fry quickly to release their fragrance. Lightly season the vegetables with a pinch of salt to enhance their natural flavors. Set the stir-fried vegetables aside on a plate.
Step 3
In the same pan, add the pork and cook. Once the pork starts to change color, add 1 Tbsp of cooking wine (or soju) and continue to stir-fry. This step effectively removes any pork odor and adds a subtle flavor.
Step 4
When the pork is cooked through, add 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce), 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1/3 Tbsp doenjang, 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru, and 50ml of water. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Once the sauce is bubbling, add back all the reserved stir-fried vegetables and stir-fry everything together until well combined with the pork.
Step 5
After combining all ingredients, continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly. You want a consistency where the ingredients are coated well, not too watery.
Step 6
Finally, add the bite-sized tofu pieces. Gently stir to incorporate without breaking the tofu too much. Cook until the tofu is heated through and coated with the sauce. Turn off the heat and finish by drizzling a few drops of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Step 7
Serve a generous portion of the finished Mapo Tofu over a bowl of hot steamed rice. You can also add a fried egg on top for an extra treat. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Mapo Tofu rice bowl!
