If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fiery flavors and silky textures, this Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender soft tofu and savory minced pork in a rich, spicy sauce made from authentic Sichuan ingredients, it’s comfort food that excites your taste buds and warms your soul. The balance of numbing Sichuan peppercorns, bold chili bean paste, and fragrant garlic ensures every bite delivers an unforgettable kick that’s perfect for any night when you want something quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe is surprisingly simple, thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the deep, fermented heat of Douban Jiang to the fresh brightness of spring onions, every element enhances the taste, texture, or vibrant color of this dish.
- Douban Jiang: This spicy fermented chili bean paste is the heart of the dish, delivering that classic Sichuan heat and umami depth.
- Garlic: Finely chopped to add fragrant warmth and a touch of sweetness when cooked.
- Ginger: Fresh and finely chopped, ginger adds a subtle zing that perfectly balances the spice.
- Chili Powder: Adjust the amount to your spice preference, enhancing the fiery profile without overpowering.
- Chicken Stock: Adds a savory base that melds all the flavors together beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: For a salty, umami backbone that enriches the sauce.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Gives extra depth and a gorgeous color to the sauce.
- Sugar: Just a hint to offset the heat and bring balance.
- Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the dish.
- Cornflour: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce and create a luscious coating for tofu and pork.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that adds fragrant nuttiness.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: Ground to provide that signature numbing sensation unique to this dish.
- Soft Tofu: Silky and tender, it absorbs all the spicy goodness.
- Pork Mince: Adds savory richness and texture.
- Spring Onion/Scallions: Thinly sliced for freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Steamed Rice: For serving, perfect to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
How to Make Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by finely chopping the garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Cube the soft tofu into bite-sized pieces carefully to keep it intact during cooking. Mix the cornflour with water to create the thickening slurry you’ll need later. Having everything prepped before cooking makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Pork Mince
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Add the pork mince and cook until browned and slightly crispy. This step develops a deep savory flavor that forms the base of our sauce. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Sauce Base
In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and Douban Jiang. Stir-fry these for a minute until fragrant, letting the chili bean paste release its spicy, complex aroma. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder and ground Sichuan peppercorns to amp up the heat and numbing sensation.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Return the cooked pork to the pan. Pour in chicken stock, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the soft tofu pieces carefully, spooning some sauce over to coat without breaking them. Let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the tofu to soak up the flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Finish
Stir the cornflour slurry again and slowly add it to the pan, mixing gently until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil, then scatter the finely sliced spring onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe, garnish with a sprinkle of extra ground Sichuan peppercorns for that iconic numbing kick or some finely chopped fresh chili if you want a little more heat. A handful of chopped spring onions adds a pop of color and crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the silky tofu.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice, which is essential for soaking up all that lush sauce. You can also serve it alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli for added freshness and balance. If you want a bit of crunch, a cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your mapo tofu in individual ceramic bowls to keep the heat concentrated and cozy. You can also spoon it over steamed noodles for a hearty variation, or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes for a fusion-style comfort meal that’s totally unique and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight making leftovers even more flavorful. Just be sure to keep it chilled to preserve the tofu’s texture and the sauce’s vibrant taste.
Freezing
While tofu can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stove to avoid breaking the tofu apart. Stir occasionally to rewarm evenly, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce becomes too thick. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the pork mince for finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based mince alternatives, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The Douban Jiang still provides plenty of savory depth, so it remains deliciously satisfying.
What level of spiciness does the Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe have?
The dish packs a medium to high heat depending on how much chili powder and Douban Jiang you use. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing the chili ingredients or removing the seeds from any fresh chili you add as garnish.
Is soft tofu the best choice for this recipe?
Yes, soft tofu is ideal because it absorbs the sauce’s flavors beautifully and provides a luscious contrast to the savory pork. If you prefer a firmer texture, use silken tofu but handle gently to avoid breaking.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop your aromatics (garlic, ginger, spring onions) in advance and even pre-cook the pork. Store them separately in the fridge and combine when ready to cook for a faster assembly.
What is the significance of Sichuan peppercorns in the dish?
Sichuan peppercorns add a unique tingling, numbing sensation that sets this dish apart from typical spicy foods. They complement the chili heat and add a floral, citrusy note that beautifully balances the richness of the pork and tofu.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s one of those dishes that’s not only simple to prepare but also deeply satisfying with every bite bringing layers of flavor and texture. I encourage you to give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food that blends fiery heat with sublime silkiness perfectly.
Print
Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Spicy Mapo Tofu with Pork is a quick and comforting Chinese dish featuring soft tofu and flavorful pork mince simmered in a spicy, aromatic sauce made with Douban Jiang, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it delivers a perfect balance of heat, umami, and a hint of tanginess, served best over steamed rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Douban Jiang (Spicy fermented chili bean paste)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder (Or to taste)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Vinegar
- 2 tsp Cornflour (Mixed with 2 tsp water)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns (Ground)
Aromatics
- 3 cloves Garlic (Finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (Finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Spring Onion/Scallions (Finely sliced)
Main Ingredients
- 380 g Soft Tofu
- 100 g Pork Mince
Serving
- 1 serving Steamed Rice (To soak up the flavors)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Cut the soft tofu into cubes and set aside to gently drain any excess moisture.
- Cook Pork: Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the pork mince and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Add chopped garlic and ginger to the pork, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the Douban Jiang, chili powder, and ground Sichuan peppercorns, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
- Build Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Add Tofu: Gently add the tofu cubes into the simmering sauce, being careful not to break them apart. Allow to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the mixed cornflour slurry and slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring gently. Cook until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with finely sliced spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice to fully enjoy the rich, spicy flavors.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the chili powder and Douban Jiang according to your heat preference.
- Use soft tofu carefully to avoid breaking it; handle gently while stirring.
- Ground Sichuan peppercorns add a unique numbing flavor, don’t omit for authentic taste.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute pork with mushrooms or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable stock.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as tofu can become soft if reheated multiple times.
