Ma Po Tofu
Discover this authentic Chinese Ma Po Tofu recipe — a quick and easy dish that's a culinary masterpiece for the ambitious cook. Made with tofu, minced beef, sesame seed oil and 14 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 9 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 11 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this chinese classic is sure to impress.
20
Prep Time (min)
1
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
500
Calories/serving
Expert
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 450 g Tofu
- 100 g Minced Beef
- 1 tbs Sesame Seed Oil
- 1 tsp Doubanjiang
- 1 tsp Fermented Black Beans
- 1 tbs Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sichuan pepper
- 1 tbs Soy Sauce
- 400 ml Water
- 2 tbs Olive Oil
- 2 chopped Scallions
- 4 Spring Onions
- 2 cloves chopped Garlic
- 4 sliced Ginger
- 2 tbs Water
- 1 tbs Cornstarch
Instructions
9 steps · ~71 minutes total
Step 1
Add a small pinch of salt and sesame oil to minced beef. Mix well and set aside.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 2
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 and ½ tablespoons of water in a small bowl to make water starch.
3 minutesStep 3
Cut tofu into square cubes (around 2cms). Bring a large amount of water to a boil and then add a pinch of salt. Slide the tofu in and cook for 1 minute. Move out and drain.
10 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 4
Get a wok and heat up around 2 tablespoons of oil, fry the minced meat until crispy. Transfer out beef out and leave the oil in.
8 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 5
Fry doubanjiang for 1 minute over slow fire and then add garlic, scallion white, ginger and fermented black beans to cook for 30 seconds until aroma. Then mix pepper flakes in.
8 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.Step 6
Add water to the seasonings and bring to boil over high fire. Gently slide the tofu cubes. Add light soy sauce and beef.Slow the heat after boiling and then simmer for 6-8 minutes. Then add chopped garlic greens.
15 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 7
Stir the water starch and then pour half of the mixture to the simmering pot. Wait for around 30 seconds and then pour the other half. You can slightly taste the tofu and add pinch of salt if not salty enough. By the way, if you feel it is too spicy, add some sugar can milder the taste. But be carefully as the broth is very hot at this point.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 8
Transfer out when almost all the seasonings stick to tofu cubes. Sprinkle Szechuan peppercorn powder (to taste)and chopped garlic greens if using.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 9
Serve immediately with steamed rice.
2 minutesWarm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your chinese meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Ma Po Tofu is a beloved dish from Chinese cuisine, originating in China. With a total preparation time of about 21 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.
Chinese cuisine is one of the oldest and most diverse culinary traditions in the world, with thousands of years of history. Each of China's eight major regional cuisines offers unique flavors and cooking techniques.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 17 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ma Po Tofu originates from Sichuan province in China and is known for its bold flavors, combining spicy, numbing, and savory elements.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
