# Mapo tofu (from Chinese Cooking Demystified)

Video: [How to Make Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4) by [Chinese Cooking Demystified](https://www.youtube.com/@ChineseCookingDemystified).
RecipesMD is not affiliated with Chinese Cooking Demystified. Steps are paraphrased in our own words.
Status: machine-read from the video, not yet checked by a person.

- Serves: not stated
- Total time: not stated
- Ontario estimate*: ~$1.73 per serving, ~$5.18 for ~3 portions (assumed); saves ~$15.27* per serving (90%) vs ordering out (~$17.00*). * Estimate: 5 line(s) we couldn't price were filled with typical costs for their type; the video doesn't state how many it serves, so 3 portions were assumed; restaurant comparison is a typical Ontario mapo tofu with rice at ~$17, before delivery fees, tax and tip. Prices: Ontario averages (StatCan 2026-07) + RecipesMD estimates, pro-rated, staples excluded.

## Ingredients

- Half Tablespoon Sichuan Peppercorns
- Two Cloves Garlic
- 1.5 Tablespoons Chili Bean Paste
- 35g Pork Mince
- 3/4 Cups Water
- 1 Teaspoon Stock Concentrate
- 230g Soft Tofu
- About 1 Tablespoon Salt
- a good slug Canola Oil
- about 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder _(amount estimated)_
- 1 Teaspoon Light Soy Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Shaoxing Wine
- some Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dark Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon Water
- 1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
- a bit Green Onions

## Steps

1. [0:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=15s) Toast Sichuan peppercorns in a wok on medium-low heat until fragrant, then grind them in a mortar and pestle.
2. [1:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=68s) Crush and finely mince the garlic.
3. [1:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=78s) Finely mince the chili bean paste.
4. [1:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=88s) Prepare stock by mixing water and stock concentrate.
5. [2:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=150s) Drain, pat dry, and cut soft tofu into small cubes.
6. [3:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=191s) Simmer tofu cubes in salted water on gentle heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat and soak.
7. [3:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=214s) Heat oil in a wok and fry pork mince on medium-high heat until it changes color.
8. [4:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=258s) Add chili bean paste to the wok and fry on medium heat until red oil is extracted.
9. [4:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=270s) Add garlic and chili powder, fry for a minute, then pour in the stock and bring to a simmer.
10. [5:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=309s) Season with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar, then taste.
11. [5:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=316s) Drain tofu from the hot water and add the cubes into the sauce. Simmer and reduce for about 3.5 minutes.
12. [6:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsZwwrTFD4&t=360s) Stir in ground Sichuan peppercorns, vinegar, cornstarch slurry to thicken, and finish with sesame oil before transferring to a serving bowl and garnishing with green onions.

## Equipment

- mortar and pestle
- wok
- knife
- cutting board
- pot
- strainer
- spatula

## What the video didn't say

- servings count not stated
- total cooking time not stated

Source page: https://recipesmd.com/v/chinese-cooking-demystified-mapo-tofu