Mapo / Mabo Tofu with Pea Sprouts

As part of Ten in 10, I'm trying to find easy, delicious and quick dishes. Here is a simple, healthy, vegetarian dish that you can whip up in a second, has no cholesterol, and is spicy yummy.

Mapo Dofu/Doufu/Tofu (Chinese name) or Mabo Tofu (Japanese name) is a spicy Chinese dish that is usually a combo of ground meat (beef or pork), tofu and chili paste. It is commonly served over rice, but I used these very healthy pea sprouts or shoots.

The key is a jar of this Chili Bean Paste (Toban Djan). This Chinese product is made by Lee Kum Kee. I've never used it before but saw it on the shelf of my local Japanese market. It has directions to make Mapo Tofu, and it instantly went into my cart. There are only 5 calories and no fat in a teaspoon.

(Oh yes, I'm all Sandra Lee semi-homemade about this...but I cook for one and don't have time to assemble all the ingredients for the spicy paste......I need time to bake people! :) Please search the web or a cookbook for a proper recipe from scratch and enjoy!)

I picked up Pea Sprouts from the Japanese market. I haven't seen them in other markets, so check out your Asian market if you have one near you. This package was $2.99. (Today I saw fresh pea sprouts at my local farmer's market).

My version Mapo Dofu/Doufu/Tofu (Chinese name) or Mabo Tofu (Japanese name) over Pea Sprouts

You could easily add ground meat to this dish!

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a hot wok or pan and stir fry the washed pea sprouts/shoots until wilted. It will only take a few moments! Transfer to a dish.

Heat another teaspoon of oil in the pan, and add the Chili Bean Paste (to taste). You can add garlic at this point too. Add cut up pieces of firm tofu, some water, and heat through. Serve onto of the pea shoots and enjoy!