Lamb Mapo Tofu

Let Your Tastebuds Travel with Australian Lamb

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

400g lamb mince
2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3cm piece ginger, peeled and finely grated
2 tbsp Chinese rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp chilli bean paste
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp caster sugar
300g firm tofu, cut into 3cm cubes
150g snow peas, finely sliced
125g baby corn, halved
1 bunch Chinese broccoli, cut into 3cm lengths
180g udon noodles
2 green onions, thinly sliced, to serve

Method

In a small fry pan, dry fry the Sichuan peppercorns over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant. Crush lightly in a mortal and pestle.
Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook mince for 3 to 4 minutes or until browned. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Add rice wine vinegar and chilli paste and cook for 1 minute. Add stock, bring to the boil and then add soy sauce and sugar. Reduce heat, gently add tofu and stir to coat. Simmer for 7 to 8 minutes or until sauce reduces, adding snow peas, corn and Chinese broccoli for the final 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to packet instructions and drain.
Divide noodles between bowls and top with mince mixture. Sprinkle with peppercorns and green onions to serve.

Tips:
It is best to cook your mince in batches of 250g. This avoids overcrowding and won't allow the mince to stew.
If it begins to stew and water gathers in the bottom of the pan the mince will taste like it has been boiled. Tilt the pan and strain away the liquid.
Crumble the mince into the pan or wok. Add it from the outside of the wok to the centre
where it will be hottest.

Lamb Around the World

Take your tastebuds for a whirlwind trip around the globe with five flavour-packed lamb mince recipes.

With the European summer in full swing, our social media feeds are being flooded with travel snaps from hot spots such as Spain, Germany, Italy and France, however you don't need to leave the country to take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure. Instead, take inspiration from these destinations to create delicious meals in your own home.

Indulge your senses on an exotic journey to China, Greece, Turkey and beyond by creating tasty meals with lamb mince. An incredibly versatile and economical cut, lamb mince can be adapted for a variety of cuisines from around the world, marrying beautifully with a wide range of spices and fresh ingredients.

Your next midweek dinner has never been easier, or more delicious.

For additional recipe inspiration, visit www.australianlamb.com.au