Hoppa till huvudinnehåll

Ma–Po Tofu (Spicy Bean Curd with Beef)

This authentic Mapo Tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that perfectly balances heat, texture and fragrance. Combining soft tofu with savoury minced beef in a rich, spicy sauce, it is a high-protein meal that delivers a satisfying depth of flavour. The characteristic 'numbing' sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns provides a unique heat that cuts through the richness of the black-bean and chilli pastes, making every bite a complex and comforting experience.

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a larger Chinese-inspired feast, this recipe is surprisingly simple to master at home. Using shop-bought staples like Shaohsing rice wine and oyster sauce, you can recreate professional results in your own kitchen. Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried greens for a balanced, nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients for Ma–Po Tofu (Spicy Bean Curd with Beef)

  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns

  • 675g soft (not silken) tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tablespoons Chinese hot bean paste (also called chilli bean sauce)*

  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black-bean paste or sauce*

  • 4 tablespoons oyster sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Asian chilli powder*

  • 1 matsked majsstärkelse

  • 60ml peanut oil

  • 110g beef mince

  • 1 (1/4-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced (about 1 teaspoon )

  • 2 klyftor vitlök, hackad

  • 1 spring onion (white and green parts), thinly sliced on diagonal

  • 60ml Shaohsing rice wine

  • 1 medium leek (white and pale green parts only), washed, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 120ml )

  • 120ml chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 matsked ljus sojasås

  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped (optional)

  • *Available at Asian markets and in the Asian section of some supermarkets

How to make Ma–Po Tofu (Spicy Bean Curd with Beef)

In dry heavy skillet over moderate heat, toast peppercorns, stirring, until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and let cool, then grind in spice grinder to fine powder. Set aside.

In large pot over moderately high heat, bring 950ml water to boil. Add tofu, remove from heat, and let steep, uncovered, 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer tofu to medium bowl and set aside.

In small bowl, whisk together hot bean paste, black-bean paste, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and chilli powder. Set aside.

In small bowl, whisk together cornflour and 45ml water. Set aside.

In wok or heavy large sauté pan over moderate heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add beef, ginger, garlic, and spring onions and stir-fry until meat is browned, about 1 minute. Add rice wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of moisture evaporates, 1 to 2 minutes. Add hot bean paste mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is incorporated and oil in pan turns red, about 1 minute.

Add tofu, leeks, stock, light and dark soy sauces, and remaining 2 tablespoons oyster sauce and bring to boil. Whisk cornflour mixture to recombine, then add to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until juices thicken slightly, about 1 minute.

Transfer to serving dish. Sprinkle with Sichuan peppercorn powder and coriander, if using. Serve immediately.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Även om alla ansträngningar har gjorts för att säkerställa att informationen är korrekt och uppdaterad, kan individuella behov variera och kostkrav kan skilja sig beroende på personliga hälsotillstånd. Kontrollera alltid livsmedelsetiketter och allergiinformation innan du förbereder eller konsumerar något recept. Om du har specifika hälsoproblem, allergier, intoleranser eller följer en medicinskt föreskriven diet, sök råd från din läkare, apotekare eller en registrerad dietist innan du gör betydande förändringar i din kost eller livsstil.

Artikelhistorik

Informationen på denna sida är granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.
  • 29 jan 2026 | Ursprungligen publicerad

    Författad av:

    UK receptredaktörer

    Granskad av

    UK receptredaktörer

Onlineapotek, behandlingar och hälsotjänster

Enkel tillgång till pålitliga behandlingar och hälsotjänster online.

Common conditions

Get help with common conditions through the NHS, without a GP appointment.

Book your free Pharmacy First appointment

Anmäl dig till Patientens nyhetsbrev

Din veckovisa dos av tydliga, pålitliga hälsoråd - skrivna för att hjälpa dig känna dig informerad, självsäker och i kontroll.

Vänligen ange en giltig e-postadress

Genom att prenumerera accepterar du våra Sekretesspolicy. Du kan avsluta prenumerationen när som helst. Vi säljer aldrig dina uppgifter.