Spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu

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

Velvety tofu in a bold Sichuan sauce with fermented black beans, chili oil, and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, ground pork, fermented black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok. Add ground pork and cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic, fermented black beans, doubanjiang, soy sauce, and chili oil. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add cubed tofu and gently stir to coat in sauce. Simmer 5 minutes until tofu absorbs flavors.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Mix in cornstarch slurry until sauce thickens and glossy. Serve immediately with rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spicy Sichuan 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sichuan 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 Spicy Sichuan 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.

What goes well with Spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu?

Chinese vegetarian 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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