Mapo Tofu with Ramps Recipe

Ingredients (14)

• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns, divided (see note)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons cold water
• 1 1/2 pounds medium to firm silken tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/4 pound ground beef
• 8 whole ramps, finely sliced, whites and greens reserved separately
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated on a microplane grater
• 2 tablespoons fermented chili bean paste (see note)
• 2 tablespoons Xiaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 cup roasted chili oil (see note)
• 1/4 cup finely sliced scallion greens