Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

Savor the bold and spicy flavors of Vegetarian Mapo Tofu, a plant-based twist on a beloved Sichuan classic. This dish features silken or firm tofu simmered in a rich, umami-packed sauce made with doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste), aromatic ginger, garlic, and a touch of Sichuan peppercorns for that signature numbing heat. The savory blend of light and dark soy sauces, along with a hint of red pepper flakes, creates an irresistible depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is easy to prepare yet bursting with authentic Chinese flavors, making it a standout option for weeknight dinners or meatless meals. Impress your taste buds with this hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g silken or firm tofu
• 250 ml vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 stalks green onions
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon silken or fermented black beans (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

Step 1

Dice the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry and set aside.

Step 3

Mince the ginger and garlic. Chop the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate.

Step 4

In a large non-stick pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the ginger, garlic, and the white parts of the green onions, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the doubanjiang and stir-fried fermented black beans if using. Cook for another minute.

Step 7

Add the vegetable broth, light and dark soy sauces, Sichuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 8

Gently add the tofu cubes into the pan, stirring gently to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Step 9

Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the pan, gently stirring until the sauce thickens.

Step 10

Sprinkle the sugar and sesame oil, giving a final gentle stir.

Step 11

Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and an extra sprinkle of ground Sichuan peppercorns if desired.

Step 12

Serve immediately over steamed rice or your choice of grains.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(873.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	874.4

Total Fat 56.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 23.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5271.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.9g	0%
Total Sugars 13.9g
Protein 36.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 549.6mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 1549.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.9%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 27.7%