Spicy Tofu Recipe

This dish cleverly uses the rich flavor of Chinese doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) to transform tofu from ordinary to irresistible. For those who find tofu bland, these spicy and flavorful tofu cubes are sure to change your mind. Whether enjoyed on their own or as a side dish, they offer a delightful experience.

9 Reviews
9 Comments
POSTED:09/03/2024
Level:Easy
Yield:2-3 servings
Total:15 min
(includes chilling time)
Active:5 min

Tofu can be prepared in many ways, and today’s spicy tofu recipe is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Paired with rice, it’s a dish that's hard to resist. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal!

1.About This Spicy Tofu

This spicy tofu is quick and easy to make, ready in just 15 minutes. It pairs perfectly with rice and stir-fried vegetables. This dish is a twist on the classic Sichuan mapo tofu, featuring garlic and doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) as the main ingredients. We also add Sichuan peppercorns to give it a unique spicy and numbing flavor.

We began developing this recipe a few years ago, and after numerous attempts, we've perfected the formula. We’re excited to officially share it in 2024 and hope you enjoy this carefully crafted dish.

2.Why This Recipe

We’re sharing this spicy tofu recipe for a simple reason. First, it uses healthy ingredients like tofu, which encourages healthier eating choices. Second, we want to introduce more people to and provide a taste of Chinese culinary culture.

With its unique flavor and straightforward preparation, spicy tofu is perfect for everyday meals and adds a touch of exotic flair to your home cooking.

3.You’ll Love It

After trying this spicy tofu, you’re sure to love it because:

Super Simple: This dish is incredibly easy to make, ready in just 15 minutes. Even cooking novices can master it with ease.

Perfect Spice Level: With a balanced level of heat, it’s an ideal dish for spice lovers. If you prefer less spice, you can adjust the heat to suit your taste.

Great Side Dish: This spicy tofu provides high-quality protein and pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice and vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, or green beans, making for a delicious and nutritious meal.

4.Ingredients

To make spicy tofu, you’ll need:

Firm Tofu: The main ingredient, providing protein and a soft texture.

Pork: Adds meatiness and flavor.

Doubanjiang: Gives the dish its distinctive salty and spicy taste.

Ginger, Garlic, Green Onions: Enhance the aroma and flavor.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.

Chili Sauce: Key seasoning for heat and spice.

Salt: Balances the seasoning.

Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, adds aroma and texture.

Soy Sauce: Adds umami and color.

Sichuan Peppercorns: Provides the unique numbing spiciness.

Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness.

Most of these ingredients are common in everyday cooking. Doubanjiang might be harder to find, so check local Asian grocery stores.

5.Can You Omit Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce in this dish. If you prefer not to use it or don’t have it on hand, you can skip it without significantly affecting the flavor of the dish.

6.How to Store Mapo Tofu

If you have leftover spicy tofu, let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. However, we don’t recommend eating overnight leftovers. It’s best to enjoy it on the day it’s made or prepare it fresh when you want it, as it’s easy to make.

7.More Tofu Recipes

Easy Braised Tofu

Fried Tofu Slices

Silken Tofu

Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

If you like our recipes, please follow us for more delicious dishes. Below is the detailed tutorial for this recipe—let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

  • 300g firm tofu
  • 60g pork

ACCESSORIES

  • 8g fermented black beans (douchi)
  • 3 slices ginger
  • 1 green onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

SEASONINGS

  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
  • 15ml vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3g Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Prepare all the ingredients.

Instructions to prepare ingredients for a recipe.

STEP 2

Wash and finely chop 1 green onion, 3 slices of ginger, and 2 cloves of garlic. Set aside.

Prepare ingredients: green onion, ginger, garlic.

STEP 3

Wash 60g of pork and mince it. Set aside.

Instructions to wash and mince 60g of pork.

STEP 4

Clean the firm tofu and cut it into small cubes.

Clean and cube firm tofu.

STEP 5

Boil some water with a pinch of salt in a pot. Add the tofu and cook for about 30 seconds, then drain to remove excess moisture and reduce any beany taste.

Boil tofu in salted water for 30 seconds to remove moisture and beany taste.

STEP 6

Chop 2 tablespoons of fermented black beans (douchi) into small pieces and mix them into the doubanjiang (fermented bean paste).

Chop 2 tbsp of fermented black beans, mix with doubanjiang (bean paste).

STEP 7

Heat a pan and add 15ml of vegetable oil. (If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can use another cooking oil.)

Heat pan, add 15ml vegetable oil or another cooking oil if unavailable.

STEP 8

Add Sichuan peppercorns and cook over low heat until fragrant, then remove the peppercorns. (This step helps to infuse the oil with the peppercorn flavor.)

Infuse oil with Sichuan peppercorn flavor over low heat.

STEP 9

Add the chopped green onion, ginger, and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.

Sauté green onion, ginger, and garlic until fragrant.

STEP 10

Add the minced pork and cook until it changes color. Then add the doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) and chopped fermented black beans, stirring well.

Cook minced pork until color changes, then add doubanjiang and fermented black beans. Stir well.

STEP 11

Add the homemade chili sauce and mix thoroughly. (If you don’t have homemade chili sauce, you can use store-bought.)

Mix homemade or store-bought chili sauce thoroughly into the dish.

STEP 12

Pour in water and bring to a boil. Then add soy sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.

Boil water, add soy sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.

STEP 13

Add the tofu and cook for about 1 minute.

Cook tofu for 1 minute.

STEP 14

Gradually add the cornstarch mixture, stirring for about 3 minutes.

Incorporate cornstarch mixture slowly, stirring for 3 minutes.

STEP 15

Serve, and your delicious mapo tofu is ready to enjoy!

Spicy Tofu Recipe

Recipe analyzer

  • Recipes: Spicy Tofu Recipe
  • Main Ingredients:7
  • Servings per recipe:1
  • Servings size:507 g
Nutritional Summary of Recipe
Amount per 397 g= 1 serving(s)
  • Energy (calories):637 kcal
    32%
  • Protein:63.34 g
    121%
  • Fat:32.92 g Why gray?
    68%
  • Carbohydrates:30.92 g
    19%
Calorie breakdown
  • Protein: 36%
    232 kcal
  • Fat: 44%
    280 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 20%
    126 kcal
The chart shows the percentage of calories intake (energy) coming from the respective macronutrients (fats, protein and carbohydrates).
Omega 6 : Omega 3
1:1
20:1
13:1
Both fatty acids are essential, but nowadays the majority of western diets include excessive amounts of Omega 6 acid.

The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.

9 REVIEWS

Review
Your rating:
SavorySnackShowcaseNovember 29, 2024

This is my first time making tofu, and it turned out great. Thanks for the recipe!
CulinaryQuestNovember 17, 2024

The amount of chili powder in the recipe is too spicy for me. Is there a substitute?
reply:
November 19, 2024
You can reduce the amount of chili powder or use sweet paprika to adjust the spice level.
GourmetGrubGalleryNovember 04, 2024

Why does my tofu have a layer of gooey substance on the surface?
reply:
November 06, 2024
This might be because the seasoning wasn’t mixed thoroughly. Be sure to mix the seasonings well before cooking to ensure even coating.
SizzleSnapFestOctober 24, 2024

The seasoning for this dish is perfectly balanced, and the tofu has a great texture.
GourmetGaloreOctober 09, 2024

The recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the result is fantastic. My whole family loves it!
SavorySensationShowcaseSeptember 28, 2024

Can I prepare the tofu in advance and then reheat it?
reply:
September 30, 2024
Yes, you can prepare the tofu ahead of time. When reheating, make sure to heat it evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
SavorySnackSizzleSeptember 21, 2024

Can I add some vegetables to the dish? I think it would be more enriching.
EpicureanEuphoriaHubSeptember 10, 2024

My tofu turned out a bit too soft. Is there a way to make it firmer?
reply:
September 12, 2024
You can use a firmer type of tofu, such as extra-firm tofu, and press it with a heavy object before cooking to remove excess moisture.
CulinaryCanvasCreationsSeptember 04, 2024

This spicy tofu is absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of heat!
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