One-Pot Spicy Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork
A classic Sichuan dish featuring silky tofu and ground pork simmered in a spicy, fragrant chili bean sauce. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs soft tofu, ground pork, Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 400 g soft tofu
- 200 g ground pork
- 2 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the oil turns red.
- Step 2: Add 200 g ground pork and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp soy sauce, bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Gently add 400 g soft tofu cut into 1-inch cubes, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 5: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir into the skillet to thicken the sauce, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the tofu.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, sprinkle 1 tsp toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns and 2 chopped scallions evenly over the dish before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 One-Pot Spicy Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork?
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 soft tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork?
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 One-Pot Spicy Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork 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 One-Pot Spicy Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork?
Chinese pork 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.
