Non-stick Fry Pan - Ideal for cooking the ground pork without sticking or burning. Example: Black Diamond Non-Stick Skillet, 12-inch.
Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon - Used for stirring and tossing ingredients during the cooking process. Example: Amazon Basics Classic Round Cookie & Cake Spatula with Silicone Handle, Red.
Steamer Basket - Essential for steaming tofu to achieve the perfect texture in Ma Po Tofu. Example: Sunpots Restaurant Tabletop Electric Steam Wok Set (2 pots + 1 basket).
Slotted Spoon - For removing the cooked ingredients from hot oil or broth, minimizing splashing. Example: OXO Classic Kitchen Slotted Spoon with Stainless Steel Bottom and Silicone Handle.
Blender (optional) - To puree tomatoes for a smoother sauce if desired. Example: Vitamix 5200 Professional Series Blender, 750-Watt Motor.
Nonstick Skillet (if not using the fry pan) - For sautéing vegetables and other components in the recipe. Example: Le Creuset Classic 3-Quart Dutch Oven, Black Enamel Glaze with Lid.
Cutting Board - To chop garlic, ginger, onions, and mushrooms. Example: Chef's Knife, Pink Stainless Steel Cooking & Kitchen Knife Set, 8-inch Bread Knife for Slicing and Chopping.
Measuring Spoon (for small amounts) - For precise measurements of seasonings like salt or pepper. Example: OXO Classic Kitchen Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon & Cup Set, 1 Tablespoon + 1 Teasquades with Flexible Silicone Handle.
Digital Food Scale - For accurate ingredient measurement, especially useful for precise cooking techniques in Asian cuisine. Example: OXO Bambino Kitchen Scale (300 grams).
Tongs (Optional) - Useful if preferred over slotted spoons or spatulas to handle and turn ingredients during the cooking process. Example: Fork & Knife Set, Stainless Steel Dinner Utensil Set with Wooden Handle by AmazonBasics.
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
1 1/2 pounds soft (not silken) tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons Chinese hot bean paste (also called chili bean sauce)*
1 tablespoon Chinese black-bean paste or sauce*
4 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons Asian chili powder*
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup peanut oil
4 ounces ground beef
1 (1/4-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 scallion (white and green parts), thinly sliced on diagonal
1/4 cup Shaohsing rice wine
1 medium leek (white and pale green parts only), washed, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
*Available at Asian markets and in the Asian section of some supermarkets
I publish delicious recipes that most of the times required 10 ingredients or less and 30 minutes or less to prepare.
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