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Mapo Tofu
5 from 74 votes

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a savory dish that combines ground pork with soft cubes of firm tofu in a spicy, umami-rich sauce made from chili bean paste and assorted seasonings. The recipe uses a sauce thickened with cornstarch and flavored with garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil to create a bold, aromatic stew served with rice.

Prep Time
7 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
12 mins
Servings: 2 -3
Calories: 344 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Japanese

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil peanut, vegetable or canola, generic cooking oil
  • 1 garlic minced, clove
  • 1 tsp ginger , finely chopped or minced
  • 1/4 cup scallion minced, or shallot
  • 5 oz / 150 g ground pork or beef or chicken
  • 2 tsp chili bean sauce , adjust to taste (see notes)
  • 12 oz / 300 g tofu see notes, firm
Sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp chicken stock powder or vegetable stock powder
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp sake or Chinese wine
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a bowl, combine cornflour with a splash of water, mix to combine, then add remaining Sauce ingredients and mix well.
  2. Cut the tofu into 1/2 "/ 1 cm cubes.
  3. Heat oil in wok over high heat.
  4. Add garlic and ginger and stir fry for 10 seconds.
  5. Add scallions/shallots and stir fry for 30 seconds.
  6. Add mince and stir fry until the outside is brown, breaking up clumps.
  7. Add Chili Bean Sauce and stir fry for 30 seconds.
  8. Add tofu and sauce, and gently stir to cook the sauce until it becomes thick and saucy (about 1 to 2 minutes).
  9. Serve with rice.

Notes

  • Use firm tofu or medium firmness to maintain shape during cooking; avoid silken or extra firm varieties.
  • Ground pork is traditional, but ground beef or chicken are acceptable substitutions.
  • Chili bean sauce can be replaced with other Asian chili sauces if not found in stores.

Nutrition Information

Serving 228g Calories 344cal (17%) Carbohydrates 13.4g (4%) Protein 18.6g (37%) Fat 22.3g (34%) Saturated Fat 4.9g (25%) Cholesterol 32mg (11%) Sodium 646mg (27%) Potassium 233mg (5%) Fiber 1.8g (7%) Sugar 4.7g (9%) Vitamin A 100IU (2%) Vitamin C 3.3mg (4%) Calcium 240mg (24%) Iron 2.7mg (15%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 -3

Amount Per Serving

Calories 344

% Daily Value*

Serving 228g
Calories 344cal 17%
Carbohydrates 13.4g 4%
Protein 18.6g 37%
Fat 22.3g 34%
Saturated Fat 4.9g 25%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 646mg 27%
Potassium 233mg 5%
Fiber 1.8g 7%
Sugar 4.7g 9%
Vitamin A 100IU 2%
Vitamin C 3.3mg 4%
Calcium 240mg 24%
Iron 2.7mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.