Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Spicy Sichuan Sauce

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

Silken tofu stir-fried in a bold, spicy Sichuan sauce with ground pork and fermented broad bean paste for a classic vibrant flavor. This Chinese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs silken tofu, ground pork, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch minced ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 150 g ground pork and cook for 4 minutes, breaking apart until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp doubanjiang and 1 tsp toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns, cooking for 1 minute to release aroma.
  4. Step 4: Carefully add 400 g cubed silken tofu and 1/2 cup chicken broth, gently stirring to coat tofu without breaking it. Simmer for 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce and the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water). Stir gently until sauce thickens and coats tofu, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Turn off heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish. Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Spicy Sichuan 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 Spicy Sichuan 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 silken tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry with Spicy Sichuan 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 Spicy Sichuan 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 Spicy Sichuan Sauce?

Chinese vegetarian 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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