Mapo Tofu
Hot Dishes

Mapo Tofu

timer 15 MIN
signal_cellular_alt Advanced
person 4 servings
Recipe
Mapo Tofu

About This Recipe

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!

Instructions

Detailed preparation guide

servings 4
Total Time 15m

shopping_basket Ingredients

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

menu_book Directions

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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