Vegan Szechuan Mapo Tofu

Vegan Szechuan Mapo Tofu is a bold and flavorful dish featuring silky tofu simmered in a spicy, aromatic sauce made from Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste. This plant-based twist on the traditional Chinese classic is both comforting and healthful, making it perfect for any dinner occasion.

Vegan Szechuan Mapo Tofu
30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Japanese
350 kcal

Ingredients

  • Firm tofu - 300 grams
  • Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
  • Ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon
  • Szechuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon
  • Chili bean paste - 2 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
  • Vegetable broth - 150 ml
  • Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
  • Water - 2 tablespoons
  • Green onions, chopped - 2 stalks
  • Cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons
  • Cooked rice - 200 grams (for serving)

Steps

  1. Press the tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut it into 1.5 cm cubes.
  2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the Szechuan peppercorns and chili bean paste to the pan. Stir-fry for another minute to combine the flavors.
  4. Carefully add the cubed tofu to the pan, gently stirring to coat the tofu with the sauce without breaking it.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the pan while stirring gently to thicken the sauce.
  7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
  9. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Carbs: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • High in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
  • Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from ginger and garlic.

Tags

JapaneseVeganDinner