[ENG SUB] How to Make the Ultimate Mapo Tofu | The Iron Chef Chen Kenichi

Make your home cooking taste like a pro!
Learn how to make a delicious dish from professional chefs.
If you like this video, please hit the "Like" button and subscribe to our channel.
This time, we had Chef Chen Kenichi, the Iron Chef of Chinese cuisine, to show us how to make a delicious mapo tofu.
- Ingredients (for 2 servings)
1 firm (momen) tofu
Hot water for boiling tofu
salt to taste
1/3 scallion, finely chopped
1 garlic leaf
80g ground pork
1 tbsp tianmianjiang
shaoxingjiu
A dash of soy sauce
A dash of pepper
2 to 3 tbsp salad oil
1 tsp garlic
1 tbsp doubanjiang
1 tsp Sichuan pepper powder
1 tbsp red chili oil
Chicken broth (or water) as needed
1 tbsp douchi, finely chopped
1 tbsp shaoxingjiu
1 tbsp soy sauce
A little of pepper
2 to 3 tbsp potato starch dissolved in water
[For finishing]
Red chili oil sediment
Sichuan pepper oil
Oil, to grease
Sichuan pepper powder
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akasaka Sichuan Restaurant
www.sisen.jp/
Gourmet Studio FOOVER (Japanese only)
foover.jp/
　
CUISINE KINDOM (Japanese only)
cuisine-kingdom.com/
Instagram
/ gourmetstudio.foover
Contact us below for any business inquiries!
[e-mail]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our cooking channel introduces friendly recipes and 'HOW TO COOK' tutorials directly shown by professional chefs in Japan - presented by Gourmet Studio FOOVER and CUISINE KINGDOM.
#

[@galliman123]

RIP Chen, thank you for all the Iron Chef battles and teaching us how to make your signature Mapo Tofu

[@RyanHarris77]

He’s dead?! He was my second or third favorite Iron Chef.

[@euclideanspace2573]

@@RyanHarris77 Yeah, passed away in May this year I think.

[@RocKM001]

@@RyanHarris77 Yeah he sadly passed away March this year. The official anouncement was because of a lung disease. Couldn't believe it myself. Kenichi still had a small presence occasionally doing guest spots at Jp shows every now and then. Kinda ironic that the 2 youngest Iron Chefs were the first to pass away.. we lost Masahiko Kobe a few years back.

[@shadowtheimpure]

@@RocKM001 Yep, we've lost Chen and Kobe but Sakai, Ishinabe, and Michiba are still alive and kicking.

[@amplifyedsilence]

@@shadowtheimpureyo what!!! Michiba is still around?? Man was ancient in the 90s lol good for him

[@andresbaltimore9791]

I love how he explains the rationale for all the steps while not being pushy or demeaning. He's as great a teacher as he is a chef.

[@melkungmelgung9361]

R.I.P Chen Kenichi. You are one of the most impressive chef in iron chef.

[@anitastafford6617]

I always loved Chef Chen the most out of all the Iron Chefs. He had such a sparkling personality. I'm so glad his son is continuing the legacy.

[@chopin65]

That's the difference between cooking a recipe and a master chef's demonstration. This is a master class in cooking techniques.

[@meadowlarklemonist8712]

RIP Chef. A true legend. One of the all time greats.

[@johnmichaelhess2733]

I am sorry to hear that Chef Chen has passed. He was my favorite Iron Chef. Seeing him here I was reminded of his friendliness and humor, as well as skill, when on the show. Here he projects even more of his patience and really engages me. Find peace and joy in the hereafter Sir, you will be missed.

[@lynbabysusu]

I just find that out today in this vid too 😢 he was my favourite Iron Chef!

[@mk30232003]

Iron Chef Kenichi never aged!!!

[@ryanc3595]

I was lucky enough to eat at his restaurant in Nagoya, Japan 16 years ago and had this exact dish. It was one of the best dining experience of my life. RIP Chen.

[@chinpak5720]

I am such an idiot. Been making this dish for years and never looked to see if there was a recipe on KZbin from the master himself. Usually, I play recipes at 1.5 to 1.75x speed but not this man, could watch and listen to him for hours

[@papanolongerplays4133]

Will he demonstrate his famous Prawns in Chili Sauce soon? Or is that a closely-guarded secret?

[@popamonkey190]

It's good to see him. Legendary Iron Chef Chen

[@melkungmelgung9361]

He had passed away on 11 March 2023 😭😭

[@mrharrywong]

RIP Chen Kenichi, we will miss you

[@michaellam2508]

We'll miss you and your wonderful cooking, Chen-san! 😭🍜

[@aish125]

RIP Chef Chen...Thank you for your recipe. (BTW. I am English speaking Japanese. He says he recommends softer (Kinu) Tofu for his Mapo tofu in this video, for the record. Yes, Generally Momen Tofu is used.)

[@TimFrith24]

RIP Chen Kenichi

[@DruoxTheShredder]

Chef Chen is in my humble opinion, the BEST iron chef, nigh unbeatable in his ability to improvise, create, and deliver amazing flavors EVERY time he cooks. 5/5 so happy this video exists, he's so knowledgeable/passionate! I hope I can make this for myself one day! Looks amazing!!!

[@ardeshirmehta9327]

He really was the best of all the Iron Chefs. I have tried to make his Mapo Tofu, which was one of Chairman Kaga's 20 best dishes from the entire show, but I have had only a small degree of success, because I didn't have access to the video till now. I think I may be able to do a better job now! Thanks a million, Chen-san.

[@scrotusmaximus3043]

R.I.P Chef, I've fond memories of you. You are my favorite Iron Chef, ty for the wisdom.

[@Akoustikus]

It brings joy to see him comfortable and well. Rest in peace to a legend, the last Iron Chef.

[@HachikoThePoochInugami]

All Iron Chefs Japanese and French are still alive. How ironic that those younger Iron Chefs died first 😭

[@maxwellbutterman2582]

@@HachikoThePoochInugami RIP Kobe-san... ;-;

[@joshuamartindale868]

​@HachikoThePoochInugami Iron Chef Kobe died from being hit in the head trying to get stuff down from a high shelf in his restaurant. Chen died from interstitial lung disease a type of lung cancer.

[@Chpow01]

I watched this majestic man on Iron Chef for years, probably overall my favorite of the iron chefs, as I was watching the one that came to the US dubbed, I have never really heard his voice... it's so... chipper? He just seems so happy to talk about what seems to be one of his favorite foods, all of the steps, from which ingredient to use and how/why to use it, just a pleasant tone of someone who still loves cooking, I was unaware he passed and the world is a bit crappier for his passing, but I will always have him flipping that gigantic pancake that required him to bring the wok all the way to the stadium floor for him to catch it, perfectly... because of course he did.

[@lucashan9176]

Mapo tofu is my favorite Chinese food. I’ve made that about 3 or 4 times. I can’t wait to make it again using Iron Chef Chen’s recipe from his cookbook

[@amai_zing]

Singularly amazing chef, but seemingly an even better teacher

[@ririgala1741]

RIP Chef Chen. Thanks for all the iron chef memories & great recipes. We will continue to cook your food in your honour. Arigato! I'm just so sad though... He is one of the best of the best.

[@jonpulicicchio5000]

RIP Chef Chen. Thank you for teaching us to cook wonderful dishes. I wish I could have met you in person.

[@emosh598]

I loved the edm when he was talking about the tofu dancing, very funny

[@patron40silver]

Iron Chef is my all time favorite show and Chen is my favorite of all the Iron Chefs. Looking as young, and able, as ever.

[@JThom-yh3ef]

still cant believe he's gone. I bet Sakai was in tears when he heard the news. Not to mention, he was my favorite iron chefs.

[@igortumbas2769]

I have made Mapo Tofu several times. However I am humbled to learn the proper technique from the master, Chef Chen Kenichi. Thank you Chef for your years of service. We miss you!

[@mr_pickman5976]

The man. The myth. The legend. RIP Chen. You were THE Iron Chef.

[@shadowtheimpure]

Iron Chef Chen set me off on what has become a lifelong love of the cuisines of Asia. China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, I could keep going on for days. Rest well Chef, your legacy will last a century if not longer.

[@iananderson475]

This man is an international treasure. He clearly loves and lives to cook.

[@Pudlis16]

The level of detail and passion he uses in explaining every step. What a marvelous teacher this man was. RIP.

[@muddysky1464]

RIP chen kenichi, one of the best chef and definitely the best teacher 🙏

[@DisingenuousComment]

RIP Chef. Your Mapo Tofu is the best. I go visit his restaurant every now and then. 10/10

[@mavisseah2547]

😢😢😢 oh no… Chen passed away. RIP my idol. 🌹

[@TraciPeteyforlife]

A true gentleman and source of information. Rest in peace good sir

[@DerekWitt]

RIP, Chen-san. Thank you for the memories!

[@dsouth7754]

Such passion and dedication to his methods. He truly was a great master at his craft. Showing the visual telegraphing of the tofu blew my mind; what a subtle detail to check for.

[@last1second]

Probably a little different from traditional Chinese mapo tofu, but it looks like highly refined japanese version of the original. Also i love the personality and the energy the chef has. It's unfortunate he had passed away.

[@myunmyun17]

It is believed that when his father came to Japan, he arranged it for the Japanese

[@davekao9535]

Finally detailed instructions and tricks from the master himself.

[@streef88]

RIP to the greatest Chinese chef ever. Thank you Chen for years of pleasure.

[@kendicloud]

I love Chen. Rest in peace. This video shows how a great teacher he was.

[@teslarex]

This is why he's the Iron Chef!

[@ytpiano9]

R.I.P Chen Kenichi.

[@grahamsong4585]

I've learned more from this video about cooking than years of watching KZbin videos. He has so many little tricks and tips!!! It doesn't seem like much but I guarantee all those add up at the end to make something impossibly fantastic! RIP. you were my favorite iron chef.

[@rcheskin]

Looks incredibly delicious! Such a natural teacher.

[@themarky2714]

I watched quite a lot of Iron Chef when I was young, and I just realized I've never really heard them actually talk since there were dubs overlayed on their voice.

[@Hollis_has_questions]

Like what other commenters say, I learn so many valuable skills from this chef. Everything from making sure the oil from the pork is clear to pinching the starch to how to prep the scallions (no garlic leaf here, so must use garlic cloves) to boiling the tofu until it jumps to how to regulate the heat to how to use the ladle. Thank you, Chef!

[@maxbienChiu]

Watching this video and subscribing is totally worth it. I've seen a lot of mapo tofu video recipes but this is the first time I've seen the thing about trying the pork until you get clear oil. Also, the method with cutting scallions is priceless. And that was two out of about six things I learned. Great video and channel!

[@Jumpoable]

That's basically how Chinese will stir-fry any type of minced meat. I cry when I see a wet äss wypipo "stir-fry" LOL

[@lkc121]

Yep the clear oil caught me off guard too and I've learned something new today. One the iron chef that he is

[@wilfredodiaz3445]

May he rest in peace....you will never be forgotten by your fans in the 🇺🇸... So sad to hear of your passing 🙏🙏🙏

[@totskitv5779]

You're my inspiration in me becoming a chef. Rest in Peace

[@lkc121]

The legendary iron chef Chinese. Looks like his version of this mapo tofu has gone thru the evolution of time with so many spices added now. And simply put, looks amazing now. I'm sure, being from the legendary chef that he is, the taste would be amazing too

[@yttean98]

Watch the master in action. Tastes Marvelous, this dish is one of his master pieces.

[@user-uc8fz3cv3y]

I don't forget him because i have job Chinese food in Thailand with his menu thanks evening 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@TheZenomeProject]

Yay, It's Chef Chen! His Mapo Tofu looks absolutely incredible! I need to go to Shisen Hanten the next time that I'm in Tokyo!

[@Gdwmartin]

Love It. Did not know Kenichi Ken had passed. Many fond memories of the original Iron Chef show. They were the best, much more entertaining than the adaptations that came later. The recipie looks amazing, I love spicy foods but I fear that much sechuan pepper would have me numb from top to bottom!

[@chrisamon5762]

I'd literally give anything to eat Chef's mapo!!!

[@KimForsberg]

Watching this at 11pm and all I can think is now I want some Mapo Tofu... Good reminder to boil the tofu. I keep forgetting to do that when I make it.

[@DaveCaolo]

RIP, chef. You are a legend.

[@carlod803]

Glad to have stumbled on this channel since I still watch the OG Iron Chef every now and then, but is also saddened that Chen Kenichi already left us.

[@matthewplaskon1473]

Awesome. Such loving care.

[@iHATEbigots666]

4:51 nobody has ever showed this to me before!! it makes so much sense...

[@tomlee631]

Rest in peace 😢🙏

[@epiekman]

Can’t wait for the binders! Awesome cards👌

[@traciechakraborty3829]

Mapo tofu is my absolute favorite dish of all time. Esp when I have a cold. RIP Chef Chen, you were always the best of the Iron Chefs. Humble, but super talented. Saw a vlog where they went to your son's restaurant in Singapore. It looked 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@waytothewill]

This is sheer art!

[@SploogeonGoogle-sl6wh]

This will be a must watch. These guys were legends.

[@sunshineca8468]

RIP Chef Chen Kenichi!! ❤❤❤

[@NasYo247]

A master at work. Such great technique and attention to detail

[@pursuitfarms]

Amazing explanation.

[@Bowinja]

I'm going to make mapo tofu and follow maybe half these steps right and it will be the most amazing thing I've ever cooked. I wish I could taste the real one.

[@idee7896]

Chen Chef, you were a genius!

[@muning9577]

You can learn alot from him what a great teacher he was❤

[@larrymallet9959]

This great chef had made everything a science, the order of adding ingredients, how you can tell if the tofu is perfectly cooked when the fire should be high r off, how to cut the vegetables, even how to use the ladle, and at what points to add spice. This is the best video out of the 3 I have seen on how to make ma po. My appreciation to this great chef.

[@Kimberpls]

Rest in Peace, sir. May your knives be ever sharp, your produce be most fresh and your kitchen be ever clean.

[@iblessyou.forextrablessing7597]

I ate Chen mapo tofu in Singapore bouna vista. Yummy unique . Different from our local version more tomato style sauce savory

[@Jumpoable]

Authentic Sichuanese mapo tofu does NOT include tomatoes LOL

[@iblessyou.forextrablessing7597]

Tomato is a umami. Boiled in soup extra creates fascinating taste. I saw yesterday ramen broth add tomato

[@Jumpoable]

His version is layers of flavours. Wow. Thank you Chef Chen for sharing your techniques!

[@idhalaralbaiesh5429]

So many interesting and different mapo tofu recipes. Always something new to learn from all of them. This one is excellent.

[@ObeseChess]

I have a recipe I love, but the techniques shown here really helped me take it to the next level and were transferable to many other recipes, improving those too. What a great lesson. RIP Chen!

[@EZS05]

Just made this dish, it was the tastiest food I've had in a while. Amazing!

[@general682002]

One of my favorite dish to eat! RIP Chen, you were an awesome Iron Chef I remember watching!

[@BarbyMack]

Superb! Yum 🎉

[@bobmularky7456]

Legend

[@sepphero9639]

I am devastated to learn this way that this amazing Chef has passed away. Thank you for this amazing demonstration of how to cook one of my favorite and most treasured dishes. Rest in peace

[@jean-eriksylvain7659]

Very entertaining, his humor is perfect, as the dish. Mouth watering.

[@syllixano]

Beautiful Mapo Tofu!!

[@idee7896]

The best video filled with important, hard to find techniques.

[@dammitanothername]

fantastic. I should go back to learning Nihongo. I got about 70% of that.

[@theheroandlegendchannel]

Chef Chen ichibanme! I spent many years studying you and the other iron chefs on the show. You are such an inspiration to me. Great to see you and great to learn some more of your iron chef techniques!!! Gumbodi ChenSan👍

[@jaredmoone8741]

Perfection.

[@takashiaoi]

R.I.P

[@JimmyDeppp]

Wonderful recepie and what a lovely chef with full respect for the ingrediences, I will try this tomorrow :)

[@goddanner]

He and Morimoto is the hardest working chef, always get challenged

[@handiplano5723]

I think this is the best mapo tofu i ever seen..

[@primarchstar2087]

Rest in Peace Legend! :'(

[@rokada4015]

I was in Japan last week and this restaurant was well within my hotel. Wow, I wish I had gone. It feels that a lot of places that serve mapo tofu in Japan lack heat and don't use the numbing szechuan perppercorns, which feels disappointing as I really enjoy this dish. This looked super good and made me wanna try again making mapo tofu at home.

[@user-mm6fj6xv5w]

Спасибо за видео шеф

[@shabazzed]

the mightiest iron chef

[@corgeousgeorge]

That trick with the pork oil ? Life changing! I never even thought of it like that. Very cool. Anyone know if there are any Hiuyoki Sakai vids like this out there?

[@antonioduarte8617]

Fantástico mapo tufu