Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Chili Bean Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A spicy and savory Chinese stir-fry combining silky tofu with ground pork in a bold chili bean sauce, perfect over steamed rice. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, ground pork, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 8 oz ground pork and cook, breaking up with a spatula, for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp doubanjiang chili bean paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the oil turns red.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes carefully and pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Gently stir to combine and simmer for 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the cornstarch slurry made with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water, cooking for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish. Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and serve immediately over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Chili Bean Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Chili Bean Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Chili Bean Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Chili Bean Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Chili Bean Sauce?

Chinese stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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