Posted on 12th Jul 2025

Authentic Mapo Tofu

This popular fiery Tofu based dish made with Sichuan Peppercorns and ground pork is storming the internet! Try it yourself!

Cuisine

Time

40 mins mins

Servings

4 people people

Ingredients

6-10 Dry red chillies (soaked in hot water)
1 small onion
2 garlic cloves
2 fresh bird’s-eye chillies
a small handful of coriander
300g firm silken tofu (fresh or packaged tofu are both fine to use)
2 teaspoons preserved black beans
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
200g pork mince
2 tablespoons oil

The Marinade

1 teaspoon sesame oil
a pinch of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon light soy sauce

The Sauce

2 teaspoons chilli bean paste or hot chilli paste
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice wine
1 tbsp Gochujang Korean Pepper paste
400ml chicken stock

Cornflour paste

2 teaspoons cornflour
3 tablespoons water

Method

1. Dice the onion. Finely chop the garlic, bird’s-eye chillies and coriander. Cut the silken tofu into 2cm cubes.

2. Wash and drain the preserved black beans, place them in a sealable plastic bag with the Sichuan peppercorns and bash them with a rolling pin until lightly crushed.

3. Place the meat in a bowl, add the marinade ingredients and massage together well with your hands. Mix the sauce ingredients together in a separate bowl.