Sichuan-Inspired Spicy Mapo Tofu Stir Fry
Silken tofu cubes stir-fried in a fragrant, spicy Sichuan sauce with ground pork and bold chili bean paste for a warming, flavorful dish. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes 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 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 6 oz ground pork
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 3 chopped, white and green parts separated scallions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp, mixed with 1 tbsp water cornstarch
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorn
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 oz ground pork and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and the white parts of 3 chopped scallions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until oil turns red and aromatic.
- Step 3: Gently add 14 oz firm tofu cubes, stirring carefully to coat the tofu without breaking. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and bring to a simmer for 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water, cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and sprinkle 1/2 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorn and the green parts of the scallions. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sichuan-Inspired Spicy Mapo Tofu Stir Fry 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 Spicy Mapo Tofu Stir Fry?
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 Spicy Mapo Tofu Stir Fry?
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 Spicy Mapo Tofu Stir Fry 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 Spicy Mapo Tofu Stir Fry?
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.
