Main Course · Lunch · Dinner · Chinese ·

Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Fermented Black Beans

Name: Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Fermented Black Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Doubanjiang (Sichuan fermented broad bean paste); 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup water; 1/2 pound ground pork or beef; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons ginger, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground

A classic Sichuan dish combining tofu, minced meat, and a savory, spicy sauce, known for its numbing spiciness from Sichuan peppercorns.

4.9(985 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 5, 2025

Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Fermented Black Beans — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Sauce

For the Tofu

For the Meat

For the Aromatics

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 24.25 g
Carbs: 13.75 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1200 kcal
Protein: 97 g
Carbs: 55 g
Fat: 72 g
Fiber: 13 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
3 tablespoons Doubanjiang (Sichuan fermented broad bean paste)	90	4	12	3	2
1 tablespoon fermented black beans rinsed	35	4	5	0	2
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth	30	3	4	1	0
1 teaspoon sugar	15	0	4	0	0
1 tablespoon soy sauce	10	1	1	0	0
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu cut into 1-inch cubes	320	36	8	20	8
2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water	60	0	14	0	0
1/2 pound ground pork or beef	600	48	0	48	0
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine	15	0	2	0	0
3 cloves garlic minced	15	1	3	0	0
2 teaspoons ginger minced	5	0	1	0	0
1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns toasted and ground	5	0	1	0	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Meat

1
Mix the Meat
In a bowl, mix the ground pork with Shaoxing wine.
2
Marinate
Let it marinate in the fridge for 10 minutes.
3
Prep Ingredients
Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Preparing the Tofu

1
Cube the Tofu
Carefully cube the tofu into 1-inch pieces.
2
Blanch the Tofu
Blanch the tofu in gently boiling water to help firm it.
Tip: Be cautious not to break the tofu while handling. Pro Tip: Use a slotted spoon to consistently move delicate items without damage.
3
Drain
Drain and set aside.

How to Make Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Fermented Black Beans

Total time: 1 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Brown the Meat
Heat a wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil, then cook the marinated meat until slightly brown.
2
Build the Sauce
Add Doubanjiang and fermented black beans to the wok and sauté until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3
Combine Ingredients
Pour in the broth mixture, sugar, and soy sauce, then simmer briefly. Add in the tofu and gently coat with the sauce.