Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu

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

Spicy, numbing tofu simmered in a fermented bean paste sauce with ginger and garlic, finished with fresh green onions for a bold Chinese comfort food classic. This chinese-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs ounces ground pork, tablespoons doubanjiang, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tablespoons doubanjiang and 1/2 teaspoon toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns, cooking for 1 minute to release aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 ounces ground pork and cook until browned (5 minutes), then add 14 ounces cubed pressed tofu, stirring gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl, then pour into wok.
  5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 thinly sliced green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu?

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 ounces ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu?

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-Style Mapo Tofu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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