Ma-Po Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

This is a traditional Szechuan dish, which is spicy and tasty.

1. (Low Heat) Heat 1 Tbsp of Hot Chili Pepper Oil (辣油/紅油, see Part III of this post), add 1/4 lb of ground pork, press down flatly with a spatula, then stir (to make sure the pork particles are no longer bunched together). 
2. Add minced green onion (1 stalk), ginger (3-4 slices, minced), garlic (2-3 cloves, minced), 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp soy sauce, and stir for 2-3 minutes.
3. (High Heat) Add a pack of soft tofu (diced into 1/2 - 1" cubes), 1 Tbsp of Hot Bean Sauce (see product package to the right), and 1/4 cup of water, into the cooking pan, stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes. Season to taste (add 1/4 tsp salt a time).
4. Turn off heat, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of Hot Chili Pepper Oil on top (辣油/紅油, more if you like it really spicy hot), and 1 - 2 tsp of Sichuan Pepper powder (花椒粉).  Garnish with minced green onion and serve.  Here is a finished product.