Sichuan-Inspired Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork
A bold and spicy Sichuan dish featuring silken tofu and ground pork in a chili bean sauce with numbing Sichuan peppercorns. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground pork, vegetable oil, toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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
- 8 oz ground pork
- 14 oz block, cut into 1-inch cubes soft silken tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp, toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 2 stalks, chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp, mixed with 2 tsp water cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz ground pork and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp doubanjiang chili bean paste; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz cubed soft silken tofu gently into the pan, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the tofu.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and add 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce and 1/2 tsp sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp ground toasted Sichuan peppercorns, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) while stirring gently to thicken the sauce.
- Step 7: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 2 chopped green onions over the top before serving hot with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sichuan-Inspired Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork 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 Sichuan-Inspired 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 ground pork from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Inspired 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 Sichuan-Inspired 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 Sichuan-Inspired 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.
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