Mapo Tofu

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What Is Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan, featuring soft tofu in a spicy and savory sauce, often with minced pork or beef. The name “Mapo Tofu” (麻婆豆腐) translates to “pockmarked old lady tofu,” inspired by the woman who first made it in Sichuan province, China.

The “mala” (麻辣) Mapo Tofu sauce, combining “má” (麻 for numbing) and “là” (辣 for spicy), creates a unique and exciting taste experience. This flavor profile tingles the palate, increasing appetite and providing a deeply satisfying eating experience, akin to other popular Sichuan dishes such as red oil wontons, Sichuan beef, and Sichuan cabbage.

The texture of Mapo Tofu is as appealing as its taste, with soft tofu soaking up the spicy sauce, offering a smooth, creamy contrast. Ground meat adds texture, while fresh chopped scallions add color and freshness to complete the dish.

Easy Mapo Tofu Recipe

Today, Mapo Tofu is as common in Chinese restaurants and as popular for takeout as Kung Pao Chicken. Despite its rich flavors, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. I’ll show you how to recreate this dish in your own kitchen, just like your favorite Chinese restaurant.

If you’re new to Chinese cooking, don’t worry! My authentic recipe for Mapo Tofu is straightforward, and anyone can make it at home. You don’t need to rely on store-bought Mapo Tofu mix for this dish. My recipe calls for only 3 simple steps. Just follow my cooking guide below, and you’ll have a delicious serving of this renowned tofu dish right at home!

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile because you can adjust the proteins and vary the levels of numbing (ma) and spicy (la) flavors to suit your preferences. Here are two protein substitutions:

1. Vegetarian/Vegan Mapo Tofu: To make a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the ground pork or beef with minced mushrooms, particularly shiitake mushrooms for their deep umami flavor. You can use fresh shiitake mushrooms or rehydrate dried ones by soaking them in hot water for 15-20 minutes until plump. Save the soaking liquid to enhance the dish’s richness.
2. Seafood Mapo Tofu: For a seafood twist, add diced shrimp, scallops, or a combination of both to your Mapo Tofu. This variation introduces a rich and briny taste that complements the tofu well.

In Japan and Korea, Mapo Tofu is also popular, especially within their Chinese communities. In Japan, it’s known as Mabo Dofu, which has a milder spice level and uses ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and dashi for a savory, slightly sweet flavor.

In Korea, known as Mapadubu or Mapa Tofu, it’s spicier due to Korean chili flakes or gochujang, adding a distinct spicy note. Korean versions may include additional ingredients like doenjang (fermented soybean paste) or sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.

Both adaptations cater to local tastes and are staples in Chinese restaurants in Japan and Korea, often found in Chinatowns in both countries.

Mapo Tofu Ingredients

My recipe includes the following ingredients, creating a spicy and savory dish with a unique numbing sensation.

• Silken tofu.
• Ground pork or beef. I prefer ground pork for this recipe.
• Cooking oil and chili oil.
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Scallion

Mapo Tofu Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this flavorful dish, known for its bold and distinctive taste. Here are the list of ingredients for the sauce:

• Spicy bean sauce. Called Doubanjiang in Chinese, this lends the savory and spicy flavor in the sauce.
• Chili powder: Adds the iconic fiery heat to the recipe.
• Fermented black bean. Called Douchi in Chinese, they are used in various Chinese recipes. They are paired with the spicy bean paste, chili oil cand chili powder to create the robust mapo tofu sauce.
• Sichuan peppercorns: Called huajiao (花椒) in Chinese language, Sichuan peppercorn is the secret ingredient of Mapo Tofu due to its numbing effect and aromatic flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds rich, deep umami.

Chinese Ingredients Buying Guide

Shopping Tips: In the United States, Chinese pantry ingredients can be purchased at large Asian supermarket chains like 99 Ranch Market and H Mart. For Spicy Bean sauce, I recommend the Lee Kum Kee brand, which is marketed as Chili Bean Sauce (Toban Djan).

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

How To Make Mapo Tofu

Step 1. Cut the tofu into small pieces, drain any excess water from it, and set aside. Heat a wok, then add cooking oil and chili oil. Stir-fry chopped garlic, ground pork, and spicy bean paste until the pork is halfway cooked.

Step 3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then, add roasted Sichuan peppercorn powder, chopped scallions, and add salt to taste. Gently stirring to blend everything well. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Step 2. Next, add chili powder, soy sauce, and fermented black beans, stir-frying until aromatic. Carefully add the tofu and water; gently stir to blend the tofu without breaking it, ensuring it mixes well with the sauce.

Helpful Tips For Home Cooks

I learned this Mapo Tofu recipe from my friend in Sichuan, so it’s as authentic as it gets. Please note, this recipe is spicy with strong and bold flavors.

• If you’re new to Chinese cooking, especially the mala flavors, consider reducing the amount of chili oil, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorns.
• You can use firm tofu if you prefer a chewier texture.
• Prepare all the ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying happens quickly.
• Use a soft silicone spatula to gently stir-fry the tofu to prevent it from breaking.
• Remember to lower the heat while simmering the tofu with its sauce. This helps the tofu absorb the flavors without stirring too much and potentially breaking it.

By following the cooking tips above, you can create a delicious and authentic Mapo Tofu dish at home that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant!

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Serve With Mapo Tofu

The heat from the spices can be intense, making it perfect to pair with steamed rice to balance out the spiciness. I recommend the following dishes for a satisfying Chinese meal at home:

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Szechuan Beef

Kung Pao Chicken

Spicy Sichuan Cabbage

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.

Other Sichuan Recipes You Might Like

• Dan Dan Noodles
• Sichuan Green Beans
• Bang Bang Chicken
• Sichuan Cold Noodles