Slow-Braised Mapo Tofu with Toasted Sesame

Method

1. Pat the mapo tofu dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear in a hot pan with sesame oil until deeply browned on all sides, then set aside.

3. Soften fresh ginger and jasmine rice in the same pot, scraping up the browned bits.

4. Return everything to the pot, add liquid to barely cover, and braise low and slow until fork-tender.

5. Reduce the sauce until glossy, adjust the seasoning, and finish with fresh herbs.