Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu

This **Sichuan Mapo Tofu** is a fiery, flavor-packed dish that brings together silky tofu and savory ground beef in a rich, aromatic sauce. The secret lies in the bold combination of **Pixian fermented bean paste** and **fermented soybeans**, which create a deep umami base, while **chili powder** and **Sichuan pepper powder** deliver a signature numbing heat. Blanching the tofu ensures a tender texture, while stir-frying the beef until golden brown adds irresistible depth. A splash of broth and a touch of sugar balance the spice, and a final cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is a mouthwatering taste of authentic Sichuan cuisine—spicy, savory, and utterly addictive. Perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal!

15 Minutes
Advanced
4 servings

Ingredients

Metric US
4 serving

Main Ingredients

🥩
Tofu
200g
🥩
Ground beef
100g

The aromatics

🧅
Green onions
2 stalks
🧅
Ginger
10g

The sauce & seasonings

🧂
Fermented soybeans
2 tbsp
🧂
Pixian fermented bean paste
1 tbsp
🧂
Broth
1 cup (240ml)
🧂
Soy sauce
1 tbsp
🧂
Sugar
1 tsp
🧂
Chili powder
1 tsp
🧂
Sichuan pepper powder
0.5 tsp
🧂
Oil
2 tbsp
🧂
Salt
to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1

Step 1
Cut the tofu into 2cm cubes, blanch them in boiling water with a pinch of salt to remove the beany flavor, then soak them in clean water.

2. Step 2

Step 2
Chop the fermented soybeans and Pixian fermented bean paste; remove the old leaves and roots of the green onions, wash and cut them into segments; peel and chop the ginger.

3. Step 3

Step 3
Heat a wok, add oil, and stir-fry the ground beef until it is dispersed.

4. Step 4

Step 4
Continue stir-frying the ground beef until it is golden brown, then add the chopped Pixian fermented bean paste and stir-fry together.

5. Step 5

Step 5
Add the fermented soybeans, ginger, and chili powder, and stir-fry until the beef is colored.

6. Step 6

Step 6
Add the broth and bring to a boil.

7. Step 7

Step 7
Add the tofu and cook for 3 minutes.

8. Step 8

Step 8
Add soy sauce, green onion segments, and sugar, and season with salt.

9. Step 9

Step 9
Turn off the heat, thicken with cornstarch slurry, and sprinkle with Sichuan pepper powder before serving.

10. Step 10

Step 10
Refer to “The Most Addictive Sichuan Cuisine” for more recipes.

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