Light mapo tofu

The Sichuan classic: silken tofu in a spicy, fragrant sauce with a little minced meat. Spicy, tender and high in protein, it is a tasty Chinese dish served with rice.

Prep: 15 min  |  Cooking: 15 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Easy

Estimate per serving: 240 kcal · 18 g protein · 10 g carbohydrate · 14 g fat

Ingredients

• 400 g silken tofu
• 150 g lean minced meat
• 2 tbsp spicy soya bean paste
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp ginger
• 2 spring onions
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Method

1. Fry the meat with the garlic, ginger and spicy paste.
2. Add the soy sauce and a little water.
3. Gently add the cubed tofu.
4. Leave to simmer for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with spring onions.

Nutritional benefits

Silken tofu provides plant protein for few calories, complemented by a small amount of lean meat. The spicy sauce adds intense flavour with little fat. A high-protein, spicy Sichuan dish, lighter than many Chinese takeaways. Naturally dairy-free.

Variations and substitutions

• Vegetarian: leave out the meat and add mushrooms.
• More or less spicy depending on the paste.
• With firm tofu for a better hold.
• With Sichuan pepper (traditional).

Storage and making ahead

Keeps for 2 days and reheats gently.

💡 Good to know

Add the silken tofu at the end of cooking and stir gently: it is fragile and should stay in tender cubes.

Related reading

Discover more high-protein recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · dairy-free recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe: tofu · minced meat · soya bean paste · garlic.

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