Spicy Sichuan-Style Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork

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

Silky tofu cubes simmered in a bold, spicy Sichuan chili and fermented bean sauce with savory ground pork. This Chinese-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs soft tofu, ground pork, Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang) 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 8 oz ground pork and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste. Cook for 2 minutes until the oil turns red and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Gently add 14 oz soft tofu cubes into the sauce, being careful not to break them. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Stir 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water into the pan, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish. Sprinkle 3 chopped green onions and 1 tsp toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns on top. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Spicy 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 soft tofu from drying out.

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

Chinese pork 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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