Sichuan-Style Spicy Mapo Tofu Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky tofu cubes stir-fried in a bold, spicy Sichuan sauce with ground pork and fragrant chili bean paste. 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 290 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 oz ground pork and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp minced ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the oil is bright red and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Gently add 14 oz 1-inch cubed firm tofu, stirring carefully to coat without breaking the cubes. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Simmer for 3 minutes to let flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns and 1 tsp cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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.

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