Sichuan Mapo Tofu (Spicy Tofu with Meat)

  • Total time - 20-25 minutes
  • Preparation - 10 minutes
  • Cooking time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: China
A rich bowl of spicy Mapo Tofu with minced meat and fresh scallions.

Mapo Tofu is a dish that will wake up your taste buds. It's full of complex flavors – spiciness, umami, and the gentle numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. It's surprisingly easy to make and pairs perfectly with a bowl of hot rice. Make sure you have all the key ingredients to achieve an authentic taste.

Ingredients

For the Mapo Tofu

  • 400 g soft or silken tofu, cut into cubes
  • 150 g minced pork or beef
  • 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste)
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, ground
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese fermented black beans (douchi), optional
  • 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water

For Serving

  • scallions, chopped
  • more ground Sichuan peppercorns
  • hot rice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the tofu

Carefully cut the soft tofu into cubes. Optionally, you can blanch the tofu cubes in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes before cooking to firm them up and help them hold their shape.

Step 2: Sauté the meat and spices

Heat the oil in a wok or deep pan. Add the minced meat and stir-fry until it separates and browns. Push the meat to one side, add the doubanjiang and optional douchi, and stir-fry until fragrant. Then, mix everything together.

Step 3: Simmer the sauce

Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute. Add the chicken broth and soy sauce and bring to a boil. Gently add the tofu cubes. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Thicken and finish

Stir the cornstarch and water mixture again. Slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in a small amount of the ground Sichuan peppercorns.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the dish to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped scallions and more ground Sichuan peppercorns to taste. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice.