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20-Minute Crispy Tempeh Ma Po Tofu (Vegetarian) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

20-Minute Crispy Tempeh Ma Po Tofu (Vegetarian)

A game-changing, plant-based ma po tofu recipe that swaps traditional pork for wonderfully crisp, crumbled tempeh. This deeply savory and spicy dish comes together in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) peanut oil or neutral oil
  • 4 ounces (115 g / 4.1 oz) tempeh
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) minced peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 cup (25 g / 0.88 oz) chopped scallion, green part only
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable stock or water
  • 1 pound (450 g / 15.9 oz) soft or silken tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Minced fresh cilantro for garnish, optional
  • Pro-Tips for Success
  • For the most authentic texture, use silken tofu, but be extra gentle when stirring. If you prefer cubes that hold their shape better, soft block tofu also works beautifully.
  • The secret to great texture is patience. Allow the crumbled tempeh to cook undisturbed for a few minutes at a time to develop a deep, crispy brown crust before stirring.
  • To elevate the flavor, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of doubanjiang (spicy fermented broad bean paste) along with the garlic and ginger. For the classic numbing sensation, finish with a pinch of ground Szechuan peppercorns.

Method
 

  1. Heat half the oil (2 tablespoons / 30 ml / 1 fl oz) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, crumble the tempeh into the skillet using your fingers or two forks.
  3. Cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan, for 10-15 minutes until the tempeh is deeply browned and crispy.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked tempeh to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining oil to the same skillet.
  6. When it shimmers, add the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Cook for about 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant and sizzling.
  8. Stir in the chopped scallions, followed by the vegetable stock and the cubed tofu.
  9. Cook, stirring very gently to avoid breaking the tofu, for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  10. Gently stir in the reserved crispy tempeh and the soy sauce.
  11. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if using, and serve immediately over hot rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 22gFat: 32g

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