Ground Turkey Mapo Tofu

Ground Turkey Mapo Tofu is a delicious and spicy dish that combines the rich flavors of Sichuan cuisine with a lean protein twist. This recipe uses ground turkey instead of the traditional pork, making it a lighter option without sacrificing taste. If you can’t find doubanjiang, you can substitute it with gochujang or a mix of sriracha and soy sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Tofu: Drain the tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
2. Cook Turkey: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Doubanjiang: Stir in the doubanjiang and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add Sauces and Broth: Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer with Tofu: Gently add the tofu cubes to the skillet, stirring carefully to avoid breaking them. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
8. Add Sichuan Peppercorns: Sprinkle the ground Sichuan peppercorns over the dish and stir to combine.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Enjoy your flavorful Ground Turkey Mapo Tofu!

Tags: Chinese