This Vegan Mapo Tofu recipe is a plant-based twist on the classic Sichuan dish. It's packed with bold flavors from the spicy bean paste, tofu, and aromatic seasonings. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for impressing guests with its complex flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu, diced
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons spicy bean paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant
- Add spicy bean paste, cook for 1 minute
- Add tofu and mix gently to coat with sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and vegetable broth
- Pour mixture over tofu in the skillet
- Add sugar and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Garnish with green onions and peanuts
- Serve hot over cooked rice
Interesting Facts
Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish known for its spicy and numbing flavor profile
The name 'Mapo' translates to 'pockmarked grandma', referencing the inventor of the dish
Traditional Mapo Tofu contains ground pork, but this vegan version uses tofu as a substitute