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
Scale
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.
