1 12ozpackage silken tofuextra firm, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes
1lbground pork or beef
1/2cupchicken broth
2tbspsoy sauce
2tbspchili bean paste
1tbspcornstarchwhisked in 2 tbsp cold water
2tspsugar
2tbspsesame oil
5-8dried cayenne peppers
4clovesgarlicminced
1/2cupgreen onionsthinly sliced
1/4cupgingerminced
1tbspfermented black beans
1tspSichuan peppercorns or 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder
For the fries
4large russet potatoespeeled and sliced
1-2tspseasoning salt
2cupsvegetable oil
2cupscheddar cheeseshredded
green onionsthinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, chili bean paste, cornstarch and sugar. Set aside.
Heat sesame oil in a wok or a large frying pan. Stir fry cayenne peppers, garlic, green onions, ginger, fermented black beans, and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant.
Add in ground meat and use a spatula to break up any large clumps into small granules.
When meat is cooked, add in chopped tofu and lightly toss.
Pour chili sauce from Step 1 over meat and tofu toss until evenly coated. Remove mapo tofu from heat.
Heat vegetable oil and fry french fries. Drain on a paper towel.
Place french fries in a cast iron skillet and spoon mapo tofu on top. Cover with cheddar cheese and broil in the oven for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
Garnish with fresh chopped green onions.
Notes
When adding in the tofu, try not to stir as the tofu may lose its shape.