If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors, silky textures, and a little kick of heat, this Mapo Tofu Recipe is an absolute winner. This iconic Chinese dish from Sichuan cuisine brings together tender cubes of firm tofu swimming in a fragrant, spicy sauce enriched with ground meat and a delightful blend of seasonings. It’s comfort food with personality, a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or a longtime enthusiast, this Mapo Tofu Recipe hits all the right notes and will have you reaching for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this Mapo Tofu Recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Each element plays a special role—oil provides the perfect base for stir-frying, aromatics like garlic and ginger build a fragrant foundation, and chili bean sauce delivers that signature Sichuan punch. The tofu offers a silky texture, while the pork adds savory richness. These essentials come together beautifully to create a dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes.
- 2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola): A neutral oil with a high smoke point helps to properly sear the meat and toast the aromatics without burning.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds bold, pungent depth—use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
- 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped or minced: Offers a subtle warmth and brightness that balances the spicy sauce.
- 1/4 cup scallions or shallots, minced: These bring a mild oniony sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- 5 oz / 150 g ground pork (or beef or chicken): Ground meat adds savory richness and a satisfying texture contrast with the tofu.
- 2 tsp chili bean sauce: The star of the show, this fermented chili paste delivers complex heat and umami; adjust to your preferred spice level.
- 12 oz / 300 g firm tofu: Firm tofu holds its shape well and absorbs the sauce beautifully without falling apart.
- 1 cup water: Used to bring the sauce together and maintain a lovely consistency.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: This thickens the sauce, giving it that luscious, velvety finish.
- 1/2 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder: Boosts the savory depth in the sauce without extra salt.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds saltiness and hints of umami complexity.
- 1/2 tbsp sugar: Balances the heat and acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Hoisin sauce: Contributes a subtle sweetness and fermented richness.
- 2 tbsp sake or Chinese wine: Enhances flavor with a mild acidity and aromatic touch.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Added at the end for a nutty aroma that makes the dish unforgettable.
How to Make Mapo Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
The foundation of any great Mapo Tofu Recipe lies in the sauce. Start by mixing the cornstarch with a little water until smooth to ensure your sauce thickens perfectly. Then add the chicken or vegetable stock powder, soy sauce, sugar, Hoisin sauce, and sake or Chinese wine. Stir well so every ingredient melds together into a harmonious blend. This step saves you from any last-minute scrambling and guarantees a silkily thick sauce later.
Step 2: Cube the Tofu
Cut your firm tofu into neat 1-centimeter cubes. This size is perfect to absorb plenty of the rich sauce but still retains a satisfying bite. Handle the tofu gently to keep each piece intact because the contrast between soft tofu and the rich, spicy sauce is a hallmark of this dish.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Aromatics
Heat your chosen cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. When it shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry them for about 10 seconds until fragrant—this quick step releases those tantalizing aromas that start building your flavor base right away.
Step 4: Add the Scallions and Meat
Next, add the minced scallions or shallots and stir-fry briefly for about 30 seconds to soften and sweeten them. Then add your ground pork, breaking it up as you cook until it browns nicely on the outside. That caramelized meat adds deep savory notes that are essential in this Mapo Tofu Recipe.
Step 5: Incorporate the Chili Bean Sauce
Once the meat is browned, stir in the chili bean sauce. Cook it for another 30 seconds to fully awaken those spicy, fermented flavors. This step is key for layering on the authentic taste Sichuan cuisine is beloved for—there’s nothing like that fiery kick!
Step 6: Combine Tofu and Sauce
Gently add in your tofu cubes, followed by the prepared sauce mixture and water. Carefully stir to coat the tofu without breaking it apart. Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a glossy, slightly sticky glaze that clings to every tofu piece. This is the moment where all the magic happens and your Mapo Tofu Recipe truly comes alive.
Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil
Finally, drizzle the sesame oil on top for that irresistible nutty aroma. Give everything one last gentle stir, and you are ready to serve a dish that feels both homey and spectacular.
How to Serve Mapo Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Mapo Tofu Recipe even further, consider adding freshly chopped scallions or a sprinkle of toasted Sichuan peppercorn powder. These garnishes add bursts of brightness and a subtle numbing sensation that complement the rich, spicy sauce perfectly. For a touch of color and freshness, some thinly sliced red chilies can be scattered on top.
Side Dishes
Mapo Tofu pairs delightfully with steamed jasmine or white rice, which soaks up every bit of the flavorful sauce. If you want something green on the side, simple stir-fried bok choy or garlic-blanched spinach brings balance to the meal. A light cucumber salad with a hint of vinegar can also provide a refreshing contrast to the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your Mapo Tofu Recipe over a bed of cooked noodles for a comforting twist. You could even use it as a filling for steamed buns or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh bite with a bit more crunch. The versatility of this dish means it’s always exciting to experiment and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, place any leftover Mapo Tofu into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while retaining much of its flavor and texture. Make sure to avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long to preserve freshness.
Freezing
Freezing Mapo Tofu is possible but not always ideal due to the delicate texture of tofu; it may become slightly crumbly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw it gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low-medium heat to prevent the tofu from breaking down. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too, but do so in short bursts to avoid overheating and drying out the tofu.
FAQs
Can I make Mapo Tofu Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms or crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Using vegetarian chili bean sauce ensures the dish remains loaded with flavor without any meat.
How spicy is Mapo Tofu Recipe?
This dish typically packs a medium heat level thanks to the chili bean sauce and optional fresh chilies. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the amount of chili bean sauce according to your taste.
What type of tofu is best for Mapo Tofu Recipe?
Firm or extra-firm tofu is the best choice because it holds its shape during cooking and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Silken tofu tends to break apart and can become too soft for this dish.
Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork?
Yes, ground chicken or beef works just as well. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile but will still taste delicious when combined with the signature sauce.
Do I need a wok to make Mapo Tofu Recipe?
A wok is traditional and ideal for high-heat stir-frying, but you can use a large skillet or frying pan if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s heavy-bottomed and can get hot quickly to get proper browning.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this Mapo Tofu Recipe at your fingertips, I hope you’ll give this vibrant, comforting dish a try soon. It’s a wonderful way to add warmth, spice, and texture to your dinner rotation without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite delivers a flavorful adventure, and I’m sure it will become a treasured favorite for you and your loved ones alike. Happy cooking!
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Mapo Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese, Sichuan
Description
A classic and flavorful Sichuan dish, Mapo Tofu features tender cubes of firm tofu cooked in a spicy, savory sauce with ground pork and aromatic seasonings. This quick and easy stir-fry recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat and umami, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner served over steaming rice.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped or minced
- 1/4 cup scallions or shallots, minced
- 5 oz / 150 g ground or minced pork (or beef or chicken)
- 2 tsp chili bean sauce (adjust to taste)
- 12 oz / 300 g firm tofu
For the Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 2 tbsp Sake or Chinese wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch with a splash of water and mix until smooth. Then add the water, chicken or vegetable stock powder, soy sauce, sugar, hoisin sauce, sake or Chinese wine, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Cut the Tofu: Slice the firm tofu into 1/2 inch (approximately 1 cm) cubes, handling gently to avoid breaking.
- Heat the Oil: Place a wok over high heat and add the oil, heating until it is shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry quickly for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Scallions/Shallots: Stir in the minced scallions or shallots and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds, allowing their flavors to release.
- Cook the Minced Meat: Add the ground pork (or chosen meat) to the wok. Stir-fry until the meat is browned on the outside, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
- Add Chili Bean Sauce: Stir in the chili bean sauce and cook for about 30 seconds to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Gently add the tofu cubes and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Carefully stir to coat the tofu in the sauce while cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes saucy, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Take care not to break the tofu cubes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Mapo Tofu hot, ideally with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with ground beef or chicken according to preference.
- Use firm tofu rather than silken tofu to maintain the shape during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of chili bean sauce to control the spiciness level of the dish.
- Sake can be replaced with Chinese rice wine or omit if unavailable.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up the sauce.
