# Mapo tofu (from J. Kenji López-Alt)

Video: [The Wok: My Mom's Mapo Tofu | Kenji's Cooking Show](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8) by [J. Kenji López-Alt](https://www.youtube.com/@JKenjiLopezAlt).
RecipesMD is not affiliated with J. Kenji López-Alt. 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*: ~$2.13 per serving, ~$6.40 for ~3 portions (assumed); saves ~$14.87* per serving (87%) vs ordering out (~$17.00*). * Estimate: 3 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

- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 stalks scallions
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- 1/4 lb ground beef _(amount estimated)_
- 1 package (approx. 12 oz / 340 g) firm silken tofu
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- as needed for slurry and sauce consistency water
- 2 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- to taste crunchy garlic chili oil

## Steps

1. [0:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=55s) Preheat cooking oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat.
2. [1:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=98s) Finely mince the garlic, chop the scallions, and finely chop the fresh ginger.
3. [3:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=230s) Place the ground beef into the hot wok and break it apart as it browns.
4. [4:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=280s) Add the prepared garlic, ginger, and scallions to the beef and cook gently until fragrant.
5. [5:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=308s) Unpack the firm silken tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
6. [6:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=381s) Stir the cornstarch with a splash of water in a small bowl until completely dissolved.
7. [7:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=438s) Season the meat mixture with sake, mirin, and Japanese soy sauce.
8. [7:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=474s) Add the cubed tofu and gently fold in the cornstarch slurry, adding water if the sauce becomes overly thick.
9. [8:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dElALuJ9Xo8&t=537s) Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with spoonfuls of crunchy garlic chili oil to taste.

## Equipment

- wok
- wok spatula
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- prep bowls

## What the video didn't say

- Exact serving count was not specified.
- Exact prep/cook times were not provided.

Source page: https://recipesmd.com/v/kenji-lopez-alt-mapo-tofu