Mápó dòufu (麻婆豆腐) is a classic spicy tofu and meat dish from Szechuan province in China . It is very flavoursome, easy to prepare, and best of all, spicy!

Ingredients

200g (7 oz)minced beef , pork
500g (1 lb) silken tofu , cubed
small piece of ginger , minced (about 2 tsp)
4 cloves of garlic , minced
2 tbsp chili bean paste
1-2 tsp crushed dried chili pepper
1 tbsp Szechuan pepper , roasted and ground
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 onion , sliced
3-4 green onions , cut into 2cm (1") pieces
1 tbsp rice wine
2-3 mushrooms – tree ears preferred (optional)

Procedure

If adding dried mushrooms, soak these in hot water for 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients, then slice before adding later.
Sauté the onion with the ginger and crushed chili.
Add the minced meat and garlic, and fry until brown.
Mix in the other ingredients (including sliced mushrooms), lower heat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.