Mapo Tofu Tots

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ pounds frozen bite-sized potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns

• ½ pound ground pork

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 1 ½ tablespoons chopped red chile peppers, divided

• 1 tablespoon grated garlic

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 3 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

• 2 tablespoons fermented bean paste (doubanjiang)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 (8 ounce) container firm tofu, cubed

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon water

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, or to taste

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (260 degrees C). Arrange tots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with salt.

2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn tots over, then continue baking until crispy and hot, 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, grind 1/2 of the peppercorns into a powder. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in remaining whole peppercorns; cook, stirring occasionally, until oil is infused, about 5 minutes. Remove and discard whole peppercorns.

4. Increase heat to medium-high. Stir pork, onion, and 1 tablespoon chiles into the skillet. Cook, stirring to break up lumps, until pork is lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

5. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in chicken stock, wine, bean paste, soy sauce, and ground peppercorns. Add tofu and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Stir slowly into the tofu and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.

7. Transfer tots to a serving platter and top with tofu mixture. Garnish with green onion and remaining red chile peppers.

Cook’s Notes:

Sichuan peppercorns taste more complex and less pungent than black peppercorns.

Use any red or green chiles you like, such as jalapeno, serrano, Thai, or Fresno.

Substitute mirin for the Shaoxing wine if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Photos of Mapo Tofu Tots