Best Easy Mapo Tofu Recipe

Silken tofu is simmered in a fiery sauce of doubanjiang, Sichuan peppercorn, and minced pork for a numbing, spicy classic. While not vegetarian in its traditional form, this protein-rich dish is a beloved family comfort food across China.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 360 kcal
#mapo tofu #chinese comfort food #protein-rich chinese recipes #spicy tofu dish
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • silken tofu 16 oz
  • ground pork 8 oz
  • scallions 3 pieces
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • fresh ginger 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • doubanjiang (chili bean paste) 2 tbsp
  • soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp
  • Sichuan peppercorns 1 tsp
  • chicken broth 0.75 cup
  • cornstarch 1.5 tbsp
  • oil 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 12 g 13%
Protein 20 g 22%
Fat 23 g 65%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cube the silken tofu carefully and blanch in simmering salted water for 2 minutes. Drain gently to retain the texture.

  2. 2

    Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, then sauté the Sichuan peppercorns for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the peppercorns, reserving the oil.

  3. 3

    Add ground pork to the infused oil; stir-fry, breaking up meat, until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute, then mix in doubanjiang and cook until the oil turns red and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Pour in Shaoxing wine and soy sauce, stir, then add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Slip in tofu cubes, distributing them evenly.

  6. 6

    Simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Gently swirl or nudge tofu but avoid stirring too much to keep cubes intact.

  7. 7

    Mix cornstarch with a little cold water, then slowly drizzle into the simmering sauce, stirring gently. Let cook for 2 minutes or until thickened slightly.

  8. 8

    Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and a final dusting of freshly ground Sichuan peppercorns before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the essential ingredients that create the flavor of this Mapo Tofu recipe?
The core flavor of this dish comes from doubanjiang (chili bean paste) and Sichuan peppercorns. Doubanjiang delivers signature spicy, salty, and umami notes, while Sichuan peppercorns provide numbing, citrusy heat. Ground pork adds richness, and silken tofu gives the dish its classic creamy texture.
Q. What's the most important heat control tip for this recipe?
Properly infusing the oil with Sichuan peppercorns over medium-high heat is key. Sauté just until fragrant—overcooking can burn the peppercorns and create bitterness. Also, simmer gently after adding tofu to prevent it from breaking apart while still absorbing the sauce.
Q. How can I keep silken tofu from breaking apart during cooking?
Blanching tofu briefly helps firm it up, and it should be added after the sauce is simmering. Gently slip the tofu into the pan and avoid stirring vigorously—just gently swirl the pan or nudge the tofu with a spatula to keep the pieces intact.
Q. How nutritious is this Mapo Tofu per serving?
Each 220g serving contains about 360 kcal, with 20g protein (22% of calories), 12g carbohydrate (13%), and 23g fat (65%). It's high in protein thanks to pork and tofu, balanced with moderate fat and lower carbohydrates compared to many other comfort dishes.
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