Mapo tofu with soft tofu cubes, beef and spring onions

China · Chinese

Mapo Tofu

Sichuan-style tofu in a spicy bean sauce with minced beef.

  • Chinese
  • 35 min total time
  • 4 base servings
  • 1 version

Country

China

Cuisine

Chinese

Servings

4 servings

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

1 version

Makes 4 servings of mapo tofu.

Serve with plain rice to balance the sauce.

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Adjust servings, version and allergens or avoidances to fit this recipe to your context.

Servings

Adapted for 4 servings

Version

Active version: Classic

Allergens & avoidances

0 compatible options

Adaptation status

Servings: 4 · Version: Classic · Check ingredients below

Always check ingredient labels and cross-contamination warnings.

Classic

Soft tofu and minced beef in a spicy soy-based sauce.

Tofu, chili paste and soy sauce are declared as soy sources; the sauces also declare gluten.

Version

  • Classic

Contains

  • Soy
  • Gluten

Ingredients

  • 600 g soft tofu Contains soy.
  • 220 g minced beef
  • 35 g soybean chili paste Contains soy and gluten.
  • 20 ml soy sauce Contains soy and gluten.
  • 25 ml neutral oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 10 g fresh ginger
  • 250 ml water
  • 8 g cornstarch
  • 30 g spring onions
  • 1 g Sichuan pepper

Cooking method

Pan

  1. Cook beef

    Brown minced beef in oil until it loses its raw color.

  2. Add aromatics

    Add garlic, ginger and chili paste and cook briefly.

  3. Build sauce

    Add water and soy sauce and bring to a simmer.

  4. Add tofu

    Slide tofu cubes into the sauce and simmer gently.

  5. Thicken

    Stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.

  6. Finish

    Top with spring onions and Sichuan pepper.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make it milder?

Use less chili paste and add extra water if needed.

How do I keep tofu intact?

Slide it in gently and stir with a spoon rather than tossing.

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2 versions 3 compatible options
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