Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork

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

A bold, numbing-spicy tofu dish simmered with ground pork and fermented bean paste, perfect with steamed rice. This sichuan-inspired asian ready in about 45 minutes pairs firm tofu, ground pork, doubanjiang for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Sichuan cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 oz ground pork and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tbsp doubanjiang, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch minced fresh ginger, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and oil turns red.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns, then add 1/2 cup chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and 1/2 cup chopped green onions, then simmer for 8-10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir into skillet, and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style 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-Style Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork 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.

What goes well with Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork?

Sichuan asian 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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