China / Main
Mapo Tofu
Mápó dòufu (麻婆豆腐), also romanized as mapo tofu, is a classic spicy tofu and meat dish from the Szechuan province of China. It is a very flavourful, easy-to-prepare, and spicy dish.
Ingredients
- onion, sliced1
- ginger, small; minced, about 2 tsp1 piece
- red chilli flakes, crushed dried chile pepper1–2 tsp
- minced beef, 7 oz; or pork200 g
- garlic, minced4 clove
- silken tofu, 1 lb; cubed500 g
- chili bean paste, la doubanjiang2 tbsp
- sichuan pepper, roasted and ground1 tbsp
- soy sauce1 tbsp
- rice wine1 tbsp
- spring onions, cut into 2 cm (1 inch) pieces3–4
- mushrooms, tree ears preferred; optional2–3
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 5 steps
If using dried mushrooms, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients, then slice before adding later.
Sauté onion with ginger and crushed chili.
Add minced meat and garlic, and fry until brown.
Mix in other ingredients (including sliced mushrooms), lower heat, and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Serve over steamed jasmine rice.





