Mapo Tofu Tots

Step 1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (260 degrees C). Arrange tots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with salt.

Step 2
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn tots over, then continue baking until crispy and hot, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3
Meanwhile, grind 1/2 of the peppercorns into a powder. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in remaining whole peppercorns; cook, stirring occasionally, until oil is infused, about 5 minutes. Remove and discard whole peppercorns.

Step 4
Increase heat to medium-high. Stir pork, onion, and 1 tablespoon chiles into the skillet. Cook, stirring to break up lumps, until pork is lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 5
Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in chicken stock, wine, bean paste, soy sauce, and ground peppercorns. Add tofu and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 6
Stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Stir slowly into the tofu and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Step 7
Transfer tots to a serving platter and top with tofu mixture. Garnish with green onion and remaining red chile peppers.