Mapo Tofu Don

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu
   Gently rinse the tofu cubes in cold water and drain well. Set aside on paper towels to remove excess moisture while preparing other ingredients.
2. Cook the aromatics
   Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the pork
   Add ground pork to the wok and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the seasonings
   Reduce heat to medium and add doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) and fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until oil turns red and mixture is fragrant.
5. Create the sauce
   Pour in chicken stock, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Add the tofu
   Gently slide the tofu cubes into the sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the tofu, being careful not to break the cubes.
7. Thicken the sauce
   Stir the cornstarch slurry and add it to the simmering mixture. Gently stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with ground Sichuan peppercorns and drizzle with chili oil if desired.
8. Serve over rice
   Place hot rice in serving bowls and spoon the mapo tofu over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot.