Mapo Tofu

Step 1

Place tofu on a plate lined with paper towels. Place another plate on top to weight it down. Let sit 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, whisk together black-bean chili sauce, chili bean paste, hoisin, sesame oil, and 1/2 cup water. Add cornstarch and whisk to combine. Remove tofu from paper towel and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 3

Heat safflower oil in a large skillet over high. Add pork and a pinch of salt and cook, breaking up with back of spoon, until pork is brown and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, peppercorns, and scallions; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in sauce and an additional 1/2 cup water. Carefully fold in tofu. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until sauce thickens slightly and coats tofu, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve over rice with a sprinkling of scallions and cilantro.