Go Back
Print

Mapo Tofu Cheese Fries

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

For the tofu

  • 1 12 oz package silken tofu extra firm, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes
  • 1 lb ground pork or beef
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp chili bean paste
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch whisked in 2 tbsp cold water
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 5-8 dried cayenne peppers
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup green onions thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup ginger minced
  • 1 tbsp fermented black beans
  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns or 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder

For the fries

  • 4 large russet potatoes peeled and sliced
  • 1-2 tsp seasoning salt
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • green onions thinly 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.