Easy Mapo Tofu Recipe

Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that combines soft tofu with a spicy, flavorful sauce. If you love bold flavors and want to try a simple recipe that delivers authentic taste without complicated steps, this guide is for you. You’ll learn how to make Mapo tofu at home with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions.

What You Need to Know Before Cooking Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu is famous for its balance of spicy, numbing, and savory flavors. The key ingredients include soft tofu, ground pork (or beef), fermented bean paste, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns. The tofu recipes in this dish stand out because the tofu soaks up the sauce, creating a silky texture with a punch of flavor.

You don’t need to be an expert cook to make this dish. The recipe is forgiving and quick, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Easy Mapo Tofu

Here’s what you’ll need for about 3-4 servings:

• 400g soft or silken tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 150g ground pork or chicken mince

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean and chili paste)

• 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground

• 2 teaspoons chili oil (adjust to taste)

• 2 green onions, chopped for garnish

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

  
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mapo Tofu

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the tofu into cubes and gently boiling it in salted water for 2-3 minutes. This step helps firm up the tofu so it doesn’t break apart during cooking. Drain and set aside.

Toast the Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them finely. This adds the signature numbing sensation to the dish.

2. Cook the Meat and Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned and crispy around the edges.

Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

Stir in the doubanjiang and fermented black beans. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

Pour in the broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Add Tofu and Simmer

Carefully add the tofu cubes to the sauce. Gently stir to coat the tofu without breaking it.

Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the tofu absorbs the flavors.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring gently. The sauce will thicken and become glossy.

6. Final Touches

Turn off the heat and drizzle chili oil over the dish. Sprinkle the ground Sichuan peppercorns and chopped green onions on top.

Serve your Mapo tofu hot with steamed rice.

Mapo tofu served in a traditional bowl with chili oil and green onions

Tips for Perfect Mapo Tofu Every Time

• Use soft or silken tofu for the best texture. Firm tofu won’t absorb the sauce as well.

• Adjust chili oil and doubanjiang to control the spice level. Start with less if you prefer mild heat.

• Toasting Sichuan peppercorns fresh enhances the numbing flavor. Pre-ground peppercorns lose potency quickly.

• If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add mushrooms or textured vegetable protein instead.

• Serve immediately. Mapo tofu tastes best fresh and hot.

  
  

Why You Should Try This Mapo Tofu Recipe

This recipe is a great introduction to tofu recipes that bring bold flavors to your table. It’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. You’ll find that making Mapo tofu at home is easier than you think, and the results are rewarding.

Whether you’re a tofu lover or new to this ingredient, this dish shows how versatile tofu can be. It soaks up spices and sauces beautifully, making it a star in many Asian dishes.

Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a spicy, savory meal that’s full of character and warmth. Once you master this, you can experiment with other tofu recipes and explore more Sichuan flavors.