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Chinese · 2 creator versions · prices for Ontario

Mapo tofu

Chinese Cooking DemystifiedJ. Kenji López-AltVersions tested by Chinese Cooking Demystified, J. Kenji López-Alt

2 creators made mapo tofu. Here's how their versions compare on time, cost per serving at Ontario grocery prices and difficulty, and which ingredients set each one apart.

Cheapest: Chinese Cooking Demystified ~$1.73*/serving

  1. 62score*
    Time
    not stated
    Per serving
    ~$1.73*
    You save
    ~$15.27* (90%)
    Difficulty
    Medium
    Health index
    57
    Ingredients
    18

    What’s different

    • Sichuan Peppercorns
    • Chili Bean Paste
    • Pork Mince
    • Stock Concentrate
    • Salt
    • Chili Powder
    • Shaoxing Wine
    • Sugar
    • +2 more

    Full recipe →Watch on YouTube ↗Machine-read

  2. 59score*
    Time
    not stated
    Per serving
    ~$2.13*
    You save
    ~$14.87* (87%)
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Health index
    48
    Ingredients
    12

    What’s different

    • fresh ginger
    • ground beef
    • sake
    • mirin
    • crunchy garlic chili oil

    Full recipe →Watch on YouTube ↗Machine-read

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Mapo tofu

What makes Chinese Cooking Demystified's Mapo tofu recipe and technique special?

Chinese Cooking Demystified's take on Mapo tofu focuses on home kitchen precision, balancing chinese flavors with an estimated under 30 minutes total preparation time. Every step is timestamped to the exact second in the video so you can follow along hands-free.

How much does it cost to make Mapo tofu at Ontario grocery prices?

Based on Statistics Canada benchmark consumer food pricing, this Mapo tofu recipe costs approximately $1.73 CAD per serving (yielding 2 to 4 portions). Home cooking saves an estimated 60% to 75% compared to ordering takeout at a restaurant.

Can I make Mapo tofu ahead of time or store leftovers?

Yes. Leftover Mapo tofu can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. If the recipe contains delicate leafy greens or dressed ingredients, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crisp texture.

What substitutions can I make in Chinese Cooking Demystified's Mapo tofu?

This recipe utilizes approximately 18 ingredients across 12 steps. For gluten-free adaptations, swap regular soy sauce or flour with tamari or cornstarch. For vegetarian adaptations, replace meat proteins with extra-firm tofu, mushrooms, or legumes while preserving the aromatics.

Where can I watch the video tutorial for Mapo tofu?

The official cooking video by Chinese Cooking Demystified is embedded directly on RecipesMD, featuring video timeline scrubbing that jumps directly to each step, adjustable playback speeds, and Kitchen Mode.