Mapo Tofu

Serves 4

15 min

Mapo Tofu

Recipe GLPRb38e8ce0747e49

0.0(0)
Chinese
Main Course
15 min
Servings: 4
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

A classic Sichuan dish featuring soft tofu cubes simmered in a spiced ground meat sauce. Ground beef and pork are cooked with chile-bean paste, hoisin, and soy sauce, then combined with tender tofu for a savory, aromatic main course that's ready in minutes.

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Ingredients

1 teaspoon canola oil

½ pound ground beef chuck (85% lean)

½ pound ground pork

kosher salt

2 tablespoons chile-bean sauce (toban djan)

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce or soybean paste (tenmenjan)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

14 ounces soft tofu, finely diced

1½ teaspoon cornstarch

½ cup water

3 scallions, finely chopped

white rice, for serving

Directions

  1. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  2. Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 160°F. Drain excess fat if needed.

  3. Stir in the chile-bean sauce and hoisin sauce, mixing well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Pour in the soy sauce and water, stirring to combine.

  5. Gently add the diced tofu to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally and being careful not to break apart the tofu.

  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the pan while stirring gently.

  7. Simmer for 1–2 minutes more until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with kosher salt to taste.

  8. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the chopped scallions. Serve immediately over white rice.