Is Mapo Tofu the same as Spicy Tofu? What is the difference between Mapo Tofu and Spicy Tofu?

We all know that tofu is a common soy product in life. It can be eaten in various ways. Mapo tofu and spicy tofu are two very popular dishes. Many people like to eat them. Most people think that Mapo tofu and spicy tofu are the same, but they are different. So are Mapo tofu and spicy tofu the same? Let's take a closer look!

Is Mapo Tofu the same as Spicy Tofu?

The two are different.

Many people think that anything spicy is Sichuan cuisine, but this is not the case. Spicy tofu is a Northeastern dish, while Mapo tofu is a Sichuan dish. It is a famous Sichuan dish, well-known throughout the country. Although Mapo tofu and spicy tofu differ by only one word, their preparation methods and tastes are very different.

In the process of making Mapo Tofu, some minced meat is added to the dish to enhance its fresh and fragrant taste. However, no minced meat is added to spicy tofu, which is the most intuitive way to distinguish it.

Let's talk about the taste. Mapo tofu is bright red in color, full of spicy flavor, fresh and delicious. Mapo tofu with minced meat is considered a meat dish and is more expensive than spicy tofu. Spicy tofu is dark in color, strong in flavor, spicy, fresh and refreshing, and is a vegetarian dish.

The difference between Mapo Tofu and Spicy Tofu

First of all, mapo tofu definitely has meat, but spicy tofu does not necessarily have meat. The main raw materials of mapo tofu are richer. Mapo tofu is fried with minced meat and then cooked with tofu, but spicy tofu can only be tofu, but it is cooked in a spicy way.

Secondly, mapo tofu also uses fermented black beans or fermented black beans to increase the flavor, but spicy tofu may not have them. Mapo tofu has richer seasonings. Literally speaking, the spiciness of spicy tofu should mainly come from chili peppers and peppercorns, and may also have chili oil, but bean paste and fermented black beans may not be present.

Finally, the taste of Mapo Tofu should be richer, with spicy, fresh and fragrant flavors. In addition to the spicy taste, Mapo Tofu also has the aroma and taste of minced meat, and the flavor and aroma of bean paste or fermented black beans. However, the key points of spicy tofu are the spicy and numbing flavors, so the prominent flavor should be the spicy flavor, and the others may not be so obvious.

Introduction of Mapo Tofu and Spicy Tofu

1. The main ingredients of Mapo Tofu are ingredients and tofu, including tofu, minced beef (pork can also be used), chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The spicy taste comes from Sichuan peppercorns, and the spiciness comes from chili peppers. This dish highlights the "spicy" characteristics of Sichuan cuisine. It has a unique flavor and a smooth texture. Although the main ingredient of Mapo Tofu is tofu, it is a meat dish because of the minced meat.

When making Mapo Tofu, peanut oil is the best oil, and the tofu must be tender. Pork and beef can be used for minced meat. After the minced meat is cooked, add bean paste, fermented black beans, red pepper powder, soy sauce, salt and sugar. After the aroma is sautéed, add the blanched tofu cubes and broth. After boiling, add onions, ginger and garlic, and thicken with cornstarch mixed with water. Before removing from the pot, add pepper powder and sesame oil. The seasoning and taste emphasize numbing, spicy, hot and salty.

2. Spicy tofu is a relatively niche dish and is a vegetarian dish. There is no specific method for making it. You can refer to the method of Mapo Tofu, which is more often seen on our family tables. There are no requirements for the ingredients and tofu. Tender tofu, old tofu, or even fried tofu are all fine. The main feature is the spicy taste.