Vegetarian Mapo Tofu for a Healthy Twist

Craving that irresistible, spicy, and numbing Mapo Tofu from your favorite restaurant? The good news is you can recreate this iconic dish right in your own kitchen with a healthy vegetarian twist! With the perfect balance of heat, umami, and silky tofu, this homemade Mapo Tofu will rival any takeout. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients
For the Tofu:
●    1 block firm tofu, diced
●    2 tablespoons soy sauce
●    1 tablespoon cornstarch
●    1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

●    1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
●    3 tablespoons soy sauce
●    1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
●    1 tablespoon rice vinegar
●    1 tablespoon sugar
●    1 teaspoon cornstarch
●    1 teaspoon sesame oil
●    1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Other Ingredients:
●    2 tablespoons vegetable oil
●    4-5 dried red chilies, chopped
●    2 cloves garlic, minced
●    1 teaspoon ginger, grated
●    1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
●    1/2 cup green peas or edamame
●    2 stalks green onions, chopped
●    1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed (optional for authentic flavor)

Instructions
1. Prepare the Tofu
In a bowl, combine diced tofu with soy sauce, cornstarch, and Shaoxing wine. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.

2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir well and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Tofu
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu and stir-fry until lightly golden and firm. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics
In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Combine Everything
Return the tofu to the pan. Add shiitake mushrooms and green peas (or edamame) and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Pour in the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly.

6. Add Sichuan Flavor
Sprinkle in the toasted Sichuan peppercorns and green onions for an authentic touch. Give it a final stir, then remove from heat.

7. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Vegetarian Mapo Tofu with all its bold flavors!
Tips for the Perfect Vegetarian Mapo Tofu
●    Control the heat: Adjust the number of dried chilies based on your spice tolerance.
●    Crispy tofu: For extra crispy tofu, lightly pan-fry it before adding to the stir-fry.
●    Authentic touch: Sichuan peppercorns add a signature numbing spice, so don’t skip them if you love traditional flavors!
Recreate this restaurant-style Vegetarian Mapo Tofu at home and impress your taste buds. Happy cooking!