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Easy Spicy Mapo Tofu v2

Easy Mapo Tofu

Delishdoers
Spicy, savory, and comforting Mapo Tofu made easy with silky tofu, flavorful ground meat, and a rich sauce. Fast, bold, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 wok

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz ground pork or ground beef (225 g)
  • 1 block silken tofu 14 oz / 400 g, cut into large cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 green onions chopped

Seasoning & Sauce

  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons doubanjiang spicy fermented bean paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1–2 teaspoon chili oil or crispy chili oil

Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon potato starch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • Gather & Prep the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients before you start. Chop the green onions and mince the garlic so everything is ready for a smooth cooking process.
    Ingredients for Easy Mapo Tofu
  • Cook the Meat: Heat a pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Add the ground pork or beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until mostly browned.
    Cook the meat for Easy Mapo Tofu
  • Season & Add Garlic: Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic and stir for 20–30 seconds, just until fragrant. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and the meat to lightly brown.
    Season and add garlic for Mapo tofu
  • Add the Bean Paste: Stir in the doubanjiang, coating the meat evenly. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the oil turns a deep red and the flavors bloom.
    Add the bean paste for Easy Mapo Tofu
  • Add Heat: Sprinkle in the chili flakes and stir to combine.
    Add heat for Easy Mapo Tofu
  • Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
    Add liquid for Easy Mapo Tofu
  • Add Chili Oil: Drizzle in the chili oil or crispy chili oil for extra aroma and depth.
    Add chili oil for Easy Mapo Tofu
  • Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the potato starch slurry and cook until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the meat.
    Thicken the sauce for easy Mapo Tofu
  • Add the Tofu: Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and carefully slide it into the pan. Gently fold the tofu into the sauce to avoid breaking the cubes. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the tofu absorbs the flavor.
    Add Tofu for Easy Mapo Tofu
  • Finish & Serve: Sprinkle in the chopped green onions and cook for another 30 seconds, just until softened.
    Serve hot with a big bowl of steamed rice. Soft tofu, bold flavor, and a spicy, savory sauce—this easy Mapo Tofu–style dish is so satisfying, you might find yourself going back for more rice than planned.
    Add green onions for Easy Mapo Tofu

Video

Notes

  • Handle silken tofu gently. Fold it into the sauce with a spatula or gently shake the pan instead of stirring to keep the cubes intact.
  • Adjust the spice level. Start with less chili flakes and chili oil, then add more to taste.
  • Let the bean paste cook. Stir the doubanjiang with the meat to release its aroma before adding liquid.
  • Cut tofu into larger cubes. Bigger pieces are less likely to break apart.
  • Mix the slurry again before adding. Potato starch settles quickly, so give it a quick stir before pouring it in.
  • Simmer gently. A gentle simmer thickens the sauce without breaking the tofu.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword Chinese tofu recipe, DelishDoers easy meals, Easy Mapo Tofu, Mapo tofu with ground pork, Quick spicy dinner, Spicy tofu recipe, Weeknight tofu dinner
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