Vegan Mapo Tofu: Easy Recipe!
I still remember the first time we encountered mapo tofu—it was one of our first experiences with authentic Chinese cuisine, and it left a lasting impression. We were at a local Chinese restaurant as teens, tagging along with a friend’s family, and someone in the group ordered mapo tofu, even though it wasn’t listed on the menu. That was a revelation to us! We learned that some dishes, like this spicy, savory tofu, are known well enough by regulars that you can sometimes order “off-menu,” tapping into a secret menu of authentic options. It was also the moment we realized that the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine could be adapted to fit a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Now, making vegan mapo tofu at home is our way of reliving that eye-opening moment, but with a plant-based twist that we love sharing with friends and family.
Our version of vegan mapo tofu swaps the traditional ground pork for finely chopped Shiitake mushrooms that offers a deep umami base, keeping the dish vegetarian and packed with plant-based protein. With the addition of fermented black beans, Sichuan peppercorns, and plenty of doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste), this recipe stays true to the flavors of the original but brings our own plant-based twist to the mix. It’s ready in 15 minutes, and perfect with a side of steamed rice to soak up all that spicy, flavorful sauce.
Table of Contents
- The History of Mapo Tofu
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Is In Vegan Mapo Tofu Recipe?
- Key Ingredients for Vegan Mapo Tofu
- How To Make Vegan Mapo Tofu
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Vegan Mapo Tofu Recipe
The History of Mapo Tofu
To truly appreciate Mapo Tofu, we must first understand its origins. Legend has it that Mapo Tofu was created by a woman named Mrs. Chen, who ran a small restaurant in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, during the Qing Dynasty. The name “Mapo” translates to “pockmarked old woman,” which refers to Mrs. Chen’s facial scars. Despite her appearance, Mrs. Chen was known for her incredible culinary skills, and her Mapo Tofu quickly gained popularity among locals and travelers alike.
Mapo tofu hails from Sichuan Province in China and is believed to have been created by a Chengdu restaurateur in the late 1800s. The dish traditionally combines silky tofu with ground meat and doubanjiang, a spicy bean paste that gives the dish its iconic, fiery red color and umami flavor. In Sichuan cuisine, dishes like mapo tofu are known for their “mala” (麻辣) flavor profile—a unique combination of spiciness (“la”) and numbing sensation (“ma”) created by the Sichuan peppercorn. This style of cuisine is incredibly popular across China and has become beloved around the world.
For us, mapo tofu is a great introduction to Sichuan cooking because it’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. We like to keep our version vegan and substitute traditional ingredients with vegetarian-friendly options, so we can enjoy it with our friends and family who follow a plant-based diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why our Vegan Mapo Tofu will become your new favorite:
- Authentic flavors: Despite being vegan, this dish stays true to the bold and spicy flavors of traditional Mapo Tofu, offering a deliciously authentic experience.
- Plant-powered protein: Tofu serves as the star ingredient, providing a healthy dose of plant-based protein that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
What Is In Vegan Mapo Tofu Recipe?
Our Vegan Mapo Tofu features the following key ingredients:
- Tofu: A versatile and protein-rich staple in Chinese cuisine, tofu serves as the base of this dish, providing a satisfying texture and absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Sichuan peppercorns: Known for their unique numbing and spicy flavor, Sichuan peppercorns add depth and complexity to the dish.
- Chili bean paste: A staple in Sichuan cooking, chili bean paste adds heat and umami richness to the sauce, giving it that signature Mapo Tofu flavor.
- Mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms add meaty texture and earthy flavor to the dish, making it even more satisfying and hearty.
Key Ingredients for Vegan Mapo Tofu
- Tofu: The backbone of this dish, tofu provides a creamy texture that balances out the spiciness of the sauce. Opt for soft or silken tofu for the best results.
- Mushrooms: We’re using mushrooms to mimic the meaty texture and umami flavor of traditional Mapo Tofu. Shiitake mushrooms work particularly well, but feel free to use any variety you prefer.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: These tiny peppercorns pack a punch! They add a unique numbing sensation to the dish that is quintessentially Sichuan. They play a key role in Mapo Tofu, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
- Doubanjiang: Also known as chili bean paste, doubanjiang adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Look for a vegan-friendly version at your local Asian grocery store.
- Fermented Black Beans: These salty and pungent beans provide an additional layer of flavor to the dish. They’re a key ingredient in traditional Mapo Tofu and shouldn’t be skipped.
- Chili Peppers: For that fiery kick, we’re adding dried red chili peppers to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics form the base of the sauce and infuse it with their fragrant flavors.
How To Make Vegan Mapo Tofu
- Boil the cubes of medium firm Tofu for about 60 seconds to allow the Tofu to firm up.
- In a wok over medium heat, add the oil and allow it to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced Shiitake Mushrooms and sauté until they are slightly golden.
- Then add the Garlic and Ginger, and sauté for 30-60 seconds.
- Then add the 3/4 of the finely ground Sichuan Peppercorns, this will infuse the oil.
- Now add the Toban Djan and the Black Bean paste, and sauté until 30-60 seconds or until the paste completely mixed into the oil.
- Then add 3/4 cup of Water, and bring to a boil.
- Then add the Cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Now gently add the Tofu and stir it with the sauce careful not to break the Tofu.
- Once the Tofu is coated, take it off the heat.
- Garnish with Scallions or Green Onions and a drizzle of chili oil.
- Enjoy with the rice of your choice!!
Have It Your Way!
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added color and nutrients.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Swap out the mushrooms for your favorite vegetables or protein sources, such as diced eggplant or tempeh.
Nutritional Facts
One serving of our Vegan Mapo Tofu provides a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Tofu is rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, while mushrooms offer antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. Plus, the spicy sauce adds a metabolism-boosting kick to your meal.
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Vegan Mapo Tofu Recipe
Vegan Mapo Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Firm Tofu
- 3 Tbsp. Cooking Oil
- 3 Tbsp. Ginger grated
- 1 Tbsp. Garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp. Sichuan Peppercorns toasted and ground
- 100 g Shiitake Mushrooms minced
- 1 Tbsp. Broad Bean Paste (Doubanjian/Toban Djan)
- 1 Tbsp. Fermented Black Bean Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Corn Starch with 1 Tbsp Water for slurry
- 1 Tbsp. Chili Oil
- Green Onions garnish
Equipment
Instructions
- Boil the cubes of medium firm Tofu for about 60 seconds to allow the Tofu to firm up.
- In a wok over medium heat, add the oil and allow it to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced Shiitake Mushrooms and saute until they are slightly golden.
- Then add the Garlic and Ginger, and saute for 30-60 seconds.
- Then add the 3/4 of the finely ground Sichuan Peppercorns, this will infuse the oil.
- Now add the Toban Djan and the Black Bean paste, and saute until 30-60 seconds or until the paste completely mixed into the oil.
- Then add 3/4 cup of Water, and bring to a boil.
- Then add the Cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Now gently add the Tofu and stir it with the sauce careful not to break the Tofu.
- Once the Tofu is coated, take it off the heat.
- Garnish with Scallions or Green Onions and a drizzle of chili oil.
- Enjoy!!
Notes
- Toasting the Sichuan Peppercorn over a low heat until fragrant before grinding them brings out the essential oils.
- Boiling the Tofu helps the Tofu have a silken texture, and firms it up to prevent crumbling in the wok.
Video
Nutrition
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Looks really good. I followed you on YouTube.
Thank you, and welcome 🙂
If it doesn’t “numb the tongue”, it’s not Mapo dofu!
Isn’t that the truth 😀