🌶️ Authentic Mapo Tofu Recipe
A Fiery and Flavorful Sichuan Classic with Silky Tofu and Spicy Ground Meat
Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) is a beloved Chinese dish from the Sichuan province, known for its bold combination of numbing spice, umami, and silky textures. It features soft tofu simmered in a spicy chili bean sauce with ground meat, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. This restaurant-style mapo tofu is easy to make at home and ready in under 30 minutes!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Mapo Tofu Recipe
- 🌶️ Bold and spicy with authentic Sichuan flavor
- 🧄 Loaded with garlic, ginger, and umami-rich sauces
- 🕒 Quick weeknight dinner — ready in 25 minutes
- 🍚 Perfect over steamed rice
- 🌱 Easy to make vegan or vegetarian
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 300g (10 oz) silken or soft tofu, cut into cubes
- 150g (5 oz) ground pork or beef (or plant-based mince)
- 2 tbsp doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
- 1 tbsp fermented black beans (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola, peanut)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tofu
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a gentle simmer.
- Add tofu cubes and cook for 2–3 minutes to firm up. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics & Meat
- Heat oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat.
- Add ground meat, cook until browned.
- Add garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add fermented black beans, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar.
Step 3: Simmer the Tofu
- Pour in broth or water and gently add tofu cubes.
- Simmer for 5–6 minutes, letting the tofu absorb flavor.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Stir in cornstarch slurry, gently mixing until sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
- Sprinkle with toasted, ground Sichuan peppercorns for the signature numbing heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Use silken tofu for softness or firm tofu for easier handling
- For vegan mapo tofu, replace meat with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based mince
- Adjust heat level with more/less doubanjiang and peppercorn
- Add a dash of black vinegar or sesame oil for extra flavor
🍚 What to Serve with Mapo Tofu
- Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
- Stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli
- Cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for contrast
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave
- Great for meal prep — sauce gets even better the next day
📌 Pin It for Later!
Spicy. Umami-rich. Addictive.
Save this Mapo Tofu Recipe and bring bold Sichuan heat to your dinner table tonight!
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