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Mapo Tofu

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Sichuan classic — silky tofu cubes in a tongue-numbing, fiery, savoury sauce with minced pork. Cheap, fast, deeply flavoured. Sichuan peppercorns are the secret weapon.

Prep 10 mins
Cook 15 mins
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy
Per serving £0.91

Approx £3.64 total based on typical supermarket prices in GB. See yours →

S by Steven Tobin · Published 4 May 2026
Mapo Tofu

The recipe

Instructions

  1. 1
    Cube the tofu carefully and lower into salted boiling water. Simmer 2 minutes — sets it. Drain.
  2. 2
    Toast Sichuan peppercorns in a dry wok for 30 seconds, then crush.
  3. 3
    Heat oil. Brown pork mince for 4 minutes. Add doubanjiang, garlic, ginger and crushed peppercorns for 30 seconds.
  4. 4
    Pour in stock and soy. Slide in tofu cubes. Simmer 4 minutes.
  5. 5
    Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir into the sauce. It thickens immediately. Top with spring onions.

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About Steven Tobin

Steven is the founder, recipe developer, and chief washer-upper at Budget Dinner Recipes. A passionate home cook from a big foodie family, he's spent years collecting and perfecting recipes from across the world — from Malaysian laksas and Kenyan curries to weeknight British classics. Family meals are at the heart of e…

View all recipes by Steven Tobin →

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