Place jasmine rice in a rice cooker or medium pot with lid.
Rinse rice by adding cold water to pot, swirling, and carefully draining 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
Add 1.5 cups of water to rice. For rice cooker, press start/cook. For stovetop, bring rice to a boil on medium-high heat, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes.
Continue with recipe while the rice cooks…
Prep
Open tofu, drain, carefully remove, and slice into 1 inch cubes.
Bowl 1: measure out 3 Tbsp. of doubanjiang.
Bowl 2: in a larger bowl, mix 1 cup of vegetable broth, garlic, and ginger.
Bowl 3: mix potato starch with ¼ cup water.
Fry Chili Paste & Ground Sichuan Peppercorns
If adding ground protein or mushrooms, cook it now on medium heat in a large wok or stockpot, drain any fat and set aside. Continue with the recipe.
In a large stockpot or wok heat chili oil over medium heat.
Fry the contents of Bowl 1 for 2-3 minutes.
Add Tofu & Vegetables
Add Bowl 2 and cubed tofu. Stir fries are a versatile and healthy method of preparing tofu, making it an appealing option among various dishes.
(Optional) if you like spicy food, add Sichuan peppercorns now. Otherwise, add to taste in step 6.
Turn heat up to high, and wait for the sauce to boil.
Develop Sichuan Flavors
Add Bowl 3 and green onions. Simmer for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
When jasmine rice has finished cooking, fluff with a fork to de-clump and release excess moisture.
Plate & Enjoy!
Divide jasmine rice between 4 small bowls. Serve mapo tofu family style from a large serving bowl.