If you would like to make a dish with the authentic spiciness of Szechuan China then a Mapo tofu recipe is something you should consider trying. Served throughout China Mapo tofu is a staple. American Chinese restaurants make plenty of the peppery dishes as well. Though Western counterparts find the spicy chili pepper too extreme Mapo tofu is often watered down to cool the heat.

In your own concoctions, you can choose the heat index to suit your palate. However, I would caution trying it before heaping on the heavy-duty chili paste. There are many varied Mapo tofu recipes as you could imagine. The first choice for you to decide is do you want it with meat or without and if meat is the choice then what type. The original Mapo tofu recipe of course used pork as the meat. You in your creation can use beef, chicken or just increase the tofu.

The Traditional Stew

The basic ingredient of your Mapo tofu recipe should be the hot Szechwan chili pepper. First, you want to brown the meat, which traditionally is pork. You can use sesame oil to lightly brown the meat adding some seasonings if you wish. Next, add other vegetables to brown followed by the black bean paste and the chili paste.

Most cooks will add some type of broth such as chicken stock. After this, simmers add the chopped and drained tofu, which is the firm type. Check the heat level of the pepper sauce to see if you want to add more. In Szechuan cooking the Mapo tofu recipes are very hot. This wonderful dish served alone or over rice will be sure to please your palate with its simplicity and delightful flavor.

A Vegetarian Version

If you would like to consider a vegetarian Mapo tofu recipe then try this one out. It involves cutting up eggplant in small pieces and browning it in either olive oil or sesame oil. Set it aside. Now brown some green onions, mushrooms, carrots, garlic and a mixture of fresh herbs in the pain. Blend in some hot chili paste and vegetable broth to the combination. Let it simmer and then add the cooked eggplant. While turning this mixture boil some tofu noodles until they are ready. Drain the noodles and add the cooked vegetable mix over it. Add additional chili sauce and soy sauce to taste. The vegetarian Mapo Tofu recipe can be thinned down further to make it more soup like for the noodles or even rice.