Chinese mapo tofu with mushrooms recipe

Recipe shopping list — copy the items into Valedo.

This meat-free mapo tofu serves four with rice. Mushrooms add depth while doubanjiang and Sichuan pepper give the sauce its classic character.

Ingredients

  • Jasmine rice

    2 cups

  • Extra-firm tofu

    28 ounces

  • Cremini mushrooms

    12 ounces

  • Doubanjiang chili bean paste

    3 tablespoons

  • Fermented black beans

    1 tablespoon

  • Sichuan peppercorns

    1 teaspoon

  • Garlic cloves

    4

  • Fresh ginger

    1-inch piece

  • Low-sodium vegetable broth

    1 1/2 cups

  • Soy sauce

    1 tablespoon

  • Cornstarch

    1 tablespoon

  • Scallions

    4

  • Neutral cooking oil

    2 tablespoons

How to make it

  1. Cook the rice according to package directions. 2. Brown finely chopped mushrooms in oil. 3. Add garlic, ginger, doubanjiang, and black beans; cook for 1 minute. 4. Add broth, soy sauce, and tofu cubes, then simmer gently. 5. Thicken with cornstarch slurry and finish with ground Sichuan pepper and scallions.

Who this list is for

This list is for home cooks planning to make a meat-free Chinese mapo tofu for four people. If you want a dish with classic Sichuan flavors but prefer mushrooms instead of meat, this recipe is for you. It’s also good for anyone who already has some Asian pantry staples and wants to try something new for dinner.

How to use this list

Start by checking your kitchen for jasmine rice, extra-firm tofu, and cremini mushrooms. Gather doubanjiang chili bean paste and fermented black beans from your pantry or Asian grocery. You’ll also need Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, fresh ginger, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, scallions, and neutral oil. Prep the rice first so it’s ready when the tofu is done. Dice tofu and mushrooms, mince garlic and ginger, and slice scallions before cooking. Follow the recipe steps, using this list to double-check each ingredient as you go.

Don’t skip the doubanjiang or Sichuan peppercorns—they are key for authentic flavor. Avoid using silken tofu; it will fall apart in the sauce. Don’t overcook the mushrooms or tofu, or you’ll lose their texture. Some skip rinsing the fermented black beans, but a quick rinse helps control saltiness. Make sure to dissolve cornstarch fully in a bit of broth before adding to avoid lumps.

What is on this list

You’ll find jasmine rice, extra-firm tofu, cremini mushrooms, doubanjiang, fermented black beans, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, scallions, and neutral oil. Cross off anything you already have. Double-check your pantry for doubanjiang and black beans—they’re not always on hand. Fresh produce like mushrooms, scallions, garlic, and ginger should be bought close to cooking day.

Before you go

Before shopping, check your pantry for sauces, spices, and rice. Look for tofu and mushrooms with good expiration dates. Plan to cook the dish within a day or two of buying fresh items. If you’re new to Sichuan ingredients, visit an Asian grocery for doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns. Set out all ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process.

FAQ

Who is "Chinese mapo tofu with mushrooms recipe" for?

This list is for home cooks planning to make a meat-free Chinese mapo tofu for four people. If you want a dish with classic Sichuan flavors but prefer mushrooms instead of meat, this recipe is for you. It’s also good for anyone who already has some Asian pantry staples and wants to try something new for dinner.

How should I use "Chinese mapo tofu with mushrooms recipe"?

Start by checking your kitchen for jasmine rice, extra-firm tofu, and cremini mushrooms. Gather doubanjiang chili bean paste and fermented black beans from your pantry or Asian grocery. You’ll also need Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, fresh ginger, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, scallions, and neutral oil. Prep the rice first so it’s ready when the to…

What should I skip or avoid with "Chinese mapo tofu with mushrooms recipe"?

Don’t skip the doubanjiang or Sichuan peppercorns—they are key for authentic flavor. Avoid using silken tofu; it will fall apart in the sauce. Don’t overcook the mushrooms or tofu, or you’ll lose their texture. Some skip rinsing the fermented black beans, but a quick rinse helps control saltiness. Make sure to dissolve cornstarch fully in a bit of broth bef…

What is on the "Chinese mapo tofu with mushrooms recipe" list?

You’ll find jasmine rice, extra-firm tofu, cremini mushrooms, doubanjiang, fermented black beans, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, scallions, and neutral oil. Cross off anything you already have. Double-check your pantry for doubanjiang and black beans—they’re not always on hand. Fresh produce like mushrooms, scal…

What should I do before I go?

Before shopping, check your pantry for sauces, spices, and rice. Look for tofu and mushrooms with good expiration dates. Plan to cook the dish within a day or two of buying fresh items. If you’re new to Sichuan ingredients, visit an Asian grocery for doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns. Set out all ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process.

Related lists

For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.

Chinese mapo tofu with mushrooms recipe · Valedo