a Mapo Tofu Hot Dog combines the spicy, savory flavors of Sichuan cuisine with the classic American hot dog. Here’s a recipe to guide you through making this unique fusion dish:
Ingredient For the Mapo Tofu: – 1 block (about 14 oz) silken or soft tofu, drained and cut into small cube – 1/2 pound ground pork or beef (optional for a vegetarian version) – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) – 1 tablespoon douchi (fermented black beans), rinsed and minced – 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced – 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth – 1 tablespoon soy sauce – 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) – 1 teaspoon sugar – 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground – 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water – 2 green onions, chopped
For the Hot Dogs: – 4 hot dog bun – 4 hot dog sausages (beef, pork, or vegetarian) – 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional) – 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional) – Sriracha or chili oil (optional, for extra heat)
Prepare the Mapo Tofu: – Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. – Add the ground pork or beef, if using, and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. – Stir in the doubanjiang and douchi, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. – Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
– Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. – Sprinkle with ground Sichuan peppercorns and chopped green onions. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Hot Dogs: – Cook the hot dog sausages according to package instructions (grill, boil, or pan-fry). – Toast the hot dog buns until lightly crispy.
Assemble the Hot Dogs: – Place a hot dog sausage in each bun. – Spoon a generous amount of Mapo Tofu over each sausage. – Sprinkle with shredded cheese, if using. The heat from the tofu will help melt the cheese slightly.
– Garnish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for extra heat, if desired. –
Serve the Mapo Tofu Hot Dogs immediately, enjoying the blend of spicy, savory, and slightly numbing flavors with each bite.
Place a hot dog sausage in each bun.
Enjoy your unique and delicious Mapo Tofu Hot Dogs!