Mapo Tofu With Chicken

Method10 steps · about 20 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Mince chicken (3 oz): Cut the chicken by slicing diagonally. Then, gather the clumps of chicken together, and mince the pieces into even smaller pieces. Gather, flip the clump of chicken, and repeat.

   Uses 3 oz chicken

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Mix the freshly minced chicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 2 tbsp water until the marinade is absorbed. Refrigerate for about 5 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.

   Marinate minced chicken about 5 minutes · 5 minUses Freshly minced chicken · 1 tbsp cornstarch for chicken marinade · 1 tbsp oyster sauce for chicken marinade · 2 tbsp water for chicken marinade

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Cut tofu (1 lb): Using your tofu of choice (my dad is using soft tofu for this recipe), drain the water from packaging, and chop it into cubes.

   Uses 1 lb tofu

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Mince the garlic (2 clove), chili peppers (2) and green onion (1 stalk), keeping the green onion aside for finishing. Adjust the chili to taste; chili sauce may be used instead of the fresh chilies, in an unmeasured amount to taste.

   Uses 2 chili peppers · 2 clove garlic · 1 stalk green onion · Chili sauce to taste, only as an alternative to the 2 fresh chilies

   
5. 5

   Step 5: Mix the separate 1 tbsp slurry cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth.

   Uses 1 tbsp cornstarch for slurry · 2 tbsp water for slurry

   
6. 6

   Step 6: Heat a wok on high, add 1 tbsp oil, then fry the prepared garlic and chilies for 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated minced chicken and let it cook for 20–30 seconds, moving it around but initially leaving it against the wok. Continue immediately to the next cooking stage.

   Uses 1 tbsp oil · Minced garlic and selected chili; green onion kept aside · Marinated minced chicken

   
7. 7

   Step 7: Stir 1 tbsp bean sauce into the chicken and cook for about 1 minute. Add 1 cup water, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, the separate 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce, then stir to combine.

   Uses Chicken, garlic and chili in wok · 1 tbsp bean sauce · 1 cup water for sauce · 1 tsp sugar · 1/2 tsp salt · 1 tbsp oyster sauce for main sauce · 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce

   
8. 8

   Step 8: Add the cubed tofu, stir gently without breaking it and cover. Bring the mixture to a boil, about 3 minutes; continue until the tofu is heated through and the minced chicken reaches 74°C/165°F at the centre.

   Bring tofu-and-chicken sauce to a boil; check chicken · 3 minUses Seasoned chicken sauce · Cubed tofu

   
9. 9

   Step 9: Stir the prepared slurry again and slowly pour it into the bubbling sauce while stirring gently. Cook until thickened and the starch has cooked, keeping the tofu intact. Add 1 tsp sesame oil and the reserved minced green onion, then gently mix.

   Uses Hot tofu and fully cooked chicken in sauce · Prepared cornstarch slurry · 1 tsp sesame oil · Reserved minced green onion

   
10. 10

    Step 10: Plate the dish: We're done! You're almost ready to eat your delicious creation.; If you're plating the dish, the only caveat is to pour the tofu directly into a bowl or plate WITHOUT using a spatula. This helps keep the tofu intact.

    Uses Finished mapo tofu with chicken