Spicy Black Bean Tofu (Mapo Tofu) 麻婆豆腐 - Vegetarian

Since Bit Bit made mapo tofu for dinner, which has minced pork in it, Bit Bit also needs to prepare a vegetarian version for Pig. And so, Bit Bit decided to replace the minced pork with minced tau kwa (firm beancurd), so that it has both the texture and also the protein in meat.
The vegetarian mapo tofu took about the same time as the mapo tofu, which is around 45 minutes.
Things that Bit Bit found out about vegetarian mapo tofu:

• Tofu is very soft, so while removing the tofu from the box, one must be very careful so as to not break the tofu.
• Replacing minced meat with firm tau kwa (beancurd) is good for vegetarians, as it also contains protein and it can also have a slight chewy meat-like texture.
• For the chilli black bean sauce, do take note of the ingredients, some sauces are not suitable for vegetarians.
• Vegetarian mapo tofu is a spicy and salty dish, so it goes well with rice.
• This dish is flavourful and filled with proteins, an essential for vegetarians.

Ingredients that Bit Bit used for Vegetarian Mapo Tofu:

1. Chinese Soft Tofu - 1/2 Box of 300gm
2. Tau Kwa (Firm Beancurd) - 1/3 Piece of 200gm
3. Chilli Black Bean Sauce - 2 Tbsp
4. Chilli Powder - 2 to 3 Tsp
5. Salt - A Pinch
6. Pepper - A Pinch
7. Canola Oil - 1.5 Tbsp
8. Water - 1/2 Cup
9. Potato Starch - 2 Tsp

Method that Bit Bit used to cook Vegetarian Mapo Tofu:

1. Bring a pot of water to boil.
2. Cut the tofu into medium cubes and add into the boiling water.
3. Add some salt into the boiling water.
4. Boil the tofu for about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the tofu from the boiling water and set aside.
6. Mash the tau kwa into tiny pieces.
7. Add in salt and pepper and mix well.
8. Heat up a pan and add oil.
9. Stir fry the mashed tau kwa for about 6 to 8 minutes.
10. When the tau kwa turns golden brown, remove from pan and set aside.
11. In the same pan, add in the chilli black bean sauce and fry for about 3 to 5 minutes. There is a layer of oil in the sauce, so remember to include that oil in.
12. Add in the tofu into the pan, and stir carefully to prevent the tofu from breaking.
13. Pour the water into the pan.
14. Add in the chilli powder, and let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes.
15. In a small bowl, add in the potato starch and some water to dissolve the starch.
16. Pour the starch mixture into the pan and mix well.
17. Add in the fried tau kwa into the pan and mix well.
18. Simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes.
19. Serve and eat!