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spicy vegetarian mapo tofu

Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

This plant-based twist on the classic Sichuan dish delivers all the mouth-numbing heat and bold flavors you crave. Silky tofu and umami-rich mushrooms swim in a spicy, aromatic sauce that's both comforting and exciting.
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese, Vegetarian
Keyword: Tofu, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

Chef's Knife
Chopping Board
Wok

Ingredients

  • 2 –3 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fermented black beans
  • 2 tbsp Doubanjiang spicy bean paste
  • 1 tsp Chinese chili flakes
  • 1/4 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1/2 lb sliced mushrooms shiitake preferred
  • 1 450g block medium-firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/8 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water
  • Optional: chili oil for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat; sauté green onions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add fermented black beans, Doubanjiang, chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns; cook briefly for 30 seconds.
  • Stir in mushrooms, tofu, vegetable stock, five-spice powder, and sugar; bring to a simmer and cook 5–7 minutes.
  • Add cornstarch slurry while stirring gently to avoid breaking tofu pieces.
  • Cook until sauce is glossy and tofu is heated through, about 2 minutes.
  • Garnish with chili oil if desired and serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

Use medium-firm tofu to prevent it from falling apart during cooking
Doubanjiang varies in saltiness between brands, so taste and adjust seasoning accordingly
Fresh Sichuan peppercorns can be toasted and ground for more intense numbing sensation
Fermented black beans should be rinsed and roughly chopped before use
Make-ahead tip: sauce base can be prepared 2 days in advance and reheated with tofu added fresh
Substitute cremini or button mushrooms if shiitake aren't available
For less heat, reduce chili flakes and use mild Doubanjiang

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g