• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nomss.com logo
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • ABOUT US
    • SPONSORSHIP
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizer and Snacks
    • Chinese Medicinal Food Therapy
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Spreads
    • Drinks and Smoothies
    • Main Dishes
    • Salad Dressing
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches and Banh Mi
    • Seasoning and Spices
    • Soups and Stews
  • RESTAURANTS
    • DINING
      • Asian
        • Chinese
        • Japanese
        • Korean
        • Malaysian
        • Cambodian
        • Burmese
        • Singaporean
        • Vietnamese
      • American
        • Northwest
        • Steakhouse
      • Desserts
      • European
        • Belgian
        • French
        • German
      • Latin American
        • Spanish
        • Mexican
      • Mediterranean
        • Lebanese
        • Middle Eastern
        • Persian
  • MOTHERHOOD
  • LIFESTYLE
    • TRAVEL
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipes
    • Vegan
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizer and Snacks
    • Chinese TCM
    • Desserts
    • Drinks and Smoothies
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches and Banh Mi
    • Soups and Stews
  • Lifestyle
  • Subscribe
  • Follow Me

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Diet » Dairy Free » Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    Mar 29, 2020 · 52 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐
    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    Comfort food always helps me to feel warmth. It reminds me of home and if gives me a sense of safety and belonging. Cooking this time of year helps to keep my mind off chaos. I love the feeling of manipulating food. I love playing with traditional recipes and giving it new life, a new twist - adapting to my new lifestyle such as this Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐 recipe. Similar to how Grandma used to make it, yet totally different. This healthy vegetarian recipe is good for anyone looking to have a flavorful vegetarian meal. Either way, you make it you will have a delicious Chinese homey meal that is great served with plain white jasmine rice. This quick and easy recipe is ready in 15 minutes!

    Instead of pork, you can easily make it vegan without compromising on flavour by using mushrooms. King oyster mushrooms are probably best for texture and mouthfeel. If you find yourself short of king oysters, button mushrooms works just as wonderful.

    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    MAPO TOFU CALLS FOR FIVE MAIN INGREDIENTS:

    • Tofu (medium firm tofu works best)
    • Mushrooms (button or king oysters)
    • Black bean sauce with garlic
    • Vegetable Broth
    • Sichuan Peppercorn
    mushrooms
    diced mushrooms

    I also like that it has garlic and ginger in it - it is the perfect boost for your immune, fights cold and the flu and also is antibacterial! If you fancy, dice up some onions and sautee the onions with garlic and ginger until soft and golden.

    If you don't like biting into tiny gingers, I recommend grating it.

    logo
    Food Advertisements by

    Sichuan peppercorns are very spicy with a long lingering burn. And the black bean sauce with garlic is very salty. It is important to start with a little, taste, and adjust to your preference. Always taste throughout making this recipe.

    If it is too bland, add more black bean sauce. Personally I like adding another tablespoon of sichuan peppercorn, but it is your mapo tofu, not mine.

    Did you make this recipe? I’d love see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or Tag me on Instagram @Instanomss #instanomss

    This recipe was adapted from Juno Kim.

    Print

    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 39 reviews

    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐 is a classic Chinese Cantonese dish. It is one of my childhood favourite comfort homecooked dishes. For a healthier take on Mapo Tofu, try Mapo Tofu with mushrooms. This healthy vegetarian recipe is good for anyone looking to have a flavorful vegetarian meal. Either way, you make it you will have a delicious Chinese homey meal that is great served with plain white jasmine rice. This quick and easy recipe is ready in 15 minutes!

    • Author: Nancy
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 5
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 4 bowls 1x
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: stir fry
    • Cuisine: Chinese, Vegan

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil
    • 15 Button Mushrooms (or 4 Large king oyster mushrooms), finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon sichuan peppercorn, more if you prefer spicier
    • 3 tablespoon ginger, grated
    • 6 cloves garlic, minced 蒜
    • ½ tablespoon black bean sauce with garlic
    • 1 cup vegetable broth
    • 1.5 teaspoon corn starch
    • 400g Tofu (medium or firm works best)
    • Drizzle of toasted sesame oil
    • 1 stalk of green onions, finely chopped for garnish 蔥
    • drizzle of XO chili oil to taste

    Instructions

    1. In a heavy bottomed non-stick Wok or Cast Iron, heat oil over medium high heat. Let the oil simmer, not smoke.
    2. Sautee garlic, ginger and onions, stir for 30 seconds.
    3. Add in mushrooms and cook evenly until golden brown. Stir every 20 seconds so it doesn't stick to the pan.
    4. Add in sichuan peppercorns and cook for a minute.
    5. Add in black bean sauce with garlic. Stir and cook for a minute.
    6. Add your vegetable broth, stir and bring to a simmer.
    7. In a seperate small bowl, dissolve 1.5 teaspoon of corn starch into cold water and add this mixture into your pot and stir evenly. Add more if you prefer your mapo tofu thicker.
    8. Add your tofu and sesame oil and stir gentlely.
    9. Adjust your spice preference. If you do not find it spicy enough, add a little bit more sichuan peppercorns.
    10. Serve and enjoy over jasmine white rice!

    Notes

    • Start with less black bean sauce with garlic as it can get quite salty.
    • No need to add extra salt.

     

     

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl
    • Calories: 313
    • Sugar: 6.5 g
    • Sodium: 159.6 mg
    • Fat: 23.9 g
    • Carbohydrates: 15.8 g
    • Protein: 16.8 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: vegan mapo tofu, vegan chinese cuisine, vegetarian chinese recipes, 經典廣東手工菜, classic Chinese Cantonese cuisine, chinese recipes, mushroom recipes, chinese dishes, comfort food

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @instanomss on Instagram and hashtag it #instanomss

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    Not So Spicy Vegan Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    Pin the above image to your Healthy Food Recipe Board to bookmark this page. We are so excited to share our recipes with you!

    MORE VEGAN RECIPES: 

    KIMCHI CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE

    ANTI-INFLAMMATORY VEGAN SOUP

    ACTIFRY BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH GARLIC CHILI 

    BLUEBERRY LEMON ZEST COCONUT MILK ICE CREAM

    KETO FRIENDLY BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

    HOMEMADE POPPYSEED DRESSING

    CRANBERRY FRISEE SALAD

    HOJICHA OAT MILK ICE CREAM (NO CHURN, EGG FREE, DAIRY FREE)

    NO MAYO APPLE VINEGAR COLESLAW

    This post contains affiliate links and/or products submitted to Nomss for editorial consideration. To find out more, please visit our About/Disclaimer page.

    Remove Ad-Block to view shopping guide!

    logo
    Food Advertisements by

    More Dairy Free

    • 淮山紅棗杞子竹絲雞湯 Chinese Herbal Silkie Chicken Soup
      Chinese Herbal Silkie Chicken Soup 淮山紅棗杞子竹絲雞湯
    • ROASTED BEETS FIGS TOMATO SALAD
      Roasted Beets Dried Figs Tomato Salad
    • Sous Vide Hainanese Chicken Rice 海南雞飯 (低溫慢煮)
      Easy Sous Vide Hainanese Chicken Rice 海南雞飯 (低溫慢煮)
    • Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts and Chives 爆炒豆芽菜韭菜
      Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts and Chives 爆炒豆芽菜韭菜

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melinda says

      May 03, 2022 at 5:40 am

      Comfort food minus the meat! Loved the flavor combination of tofu and mushrooms, with the perfect amount of spice.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Oscar says

      May 02, 2022 at 4:40 pm

      This looks amazing, going to save this for the weekend. Thank you.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Deb says

      May 02, 2022 at 3:13 pm

      This dish is addictive! Thanks for the recipe Nancy 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Nicola says

      May 02, 2022 at 10:02 am

      I've been looking for a good mapo tofu recipe and this one sounds divine! Excited to try it out 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Nancy says

      May 02, 2022 at 10:00 am

      I made this a last night and it was absolutely delicious. Will definitely make again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Julia says

      May 02, 2022 at 9:21 am

      Love that this vegan and slightly more mild for those with lower spice tolerance 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Stephanie says

      May 02, 2022 at 5:39 am

      Love how quick this was to make and absolutely loved how it turned out!! Will be making again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Rosanna Stevens says

      May 02, 2022 at 5:33 am

      I loved this! A delicious way to use mushrooms, thank you

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Cindy says

      May 02, 2022 at 4:21 am

      Love it! The spices are spot on and so good.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Marcellina says

      May 02, 2022 at 2:58 am

      Such a tasty and easy midweek meal!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Jerika says

      May 02, 2022 at 12:57 am

      I'm satisfied with this flavorful vegetarian meal.:) Yum! Thanks.:)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Linda says

      May 01, 2022 at 9:21 pm

      Mapo tofu is my comfort food and this one is so delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Michelle says

      May 01, 2022 at 9:21 pm

      Ma po tofu is one of my favorite restaurant dishes and I'm so excited to be able to make my own now!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Amy says

      May 01, 2022 at 9:01 pm

      Great recipe! My husband is not so great with spice but loves Chinese food so this was perfect.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Gina Abernathy says

      May 01, 2022 at 8:04 pm

      A big bowl of comfort food. The mushrooms are amazing. Delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Alexandra says

      May 01, 2022 at 8:02 pm

      Tofu has never looked or tasted better!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Kyleigh says

      May 01, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      I love the addition of tofu!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    18. Jamie says

      May 01, 2022 at 6:47 pm

      I love this for a quick and easy meal! Great flavors!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Sean says

      May 01, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      This looks fantastic. Thanks for the recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    20. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      May 01, 2022 at 5:05 pm

      I have tofu at work that I need to use up and I think everyone would enjoy this. I love that it's meatless, since there are quite a few that are vegetarian/vegan.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Katie says

      May 01, 2022 at 4:59 am

      This spicy tofu is so addictive!! I can't get enough of this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Jean says

      April 30, 2022 at 6:42 pm

      mapo tofu is my fave with rice, Im glad this isnt too spicy and really enjoyed making your recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Andrea says

      April 30, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      this tofu is delicious! so so good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    24. Bianca says

      April 30, 2022 at 1:59 pm

      I love how you introduce me to something new and delicious with every recipe! Yet another amazing dish that I definitely will be making again

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    25. Anna says

      April 30, 2022 at 1:49 pm

      I didn't realize tofu and mushrooms go so well together. This is so yum. Will surely make it again

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    26. Katie says

      April 24, 2022 at 1:48 pm

      Such a wonderful recipe! I am already looking forward to the next time I make it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    27. Andrea White says

      April 23, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      this tofu dish is so tasty! love it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    28. Jacqui says

      April 23, 2022 at 11:40 am

      I love tofu, this Mapo tofu recipe is killer! The mushrooms make this one shine and extra tasty. Could eat this every day - thanks so much for sharing.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    29. Anaiah says

      December 05, 2021 at 11:20 pm

      This vegan mapo tofu was a huge hit! Super flavorful and delicious and so perfect with white rice. Thanks for the recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 06, 2021 at 12:31 pm

        Yes!! that's what I love hearing!

        Reply
    30. Andrea White says

      December 04, 2021 at 8:27 pm

      so delicious! i love tofu and this recipe is something special!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 06, 2021 at 12:33 pm

        THanks Andrea! I really like this vegan version!

        Reply
    31. Kayla DiMaggio says

      December 04, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      Loving this mapo tofu! It is so easy and delicious! Love that it isn't too spicy!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 06, 2021 at 12:34 pm

        THis mapo tofu recipe is so filling and even kids can enjoy it!

        Reply
    32. Emily says

      December 04, 2021 at 1:47 pm

      I love this recipe with king oyster mushrooms! So delicious and not too spicy. Looking forward to making it again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 06, 2021 at 12:34 pm

        King oyster mushrooms are such a great meat replacement ingredient!

        Reply
    33. Shilpa says

      December 04, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      Loving this vegan mapo tofu and adding mushrooms is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 06, 2021 at 12:35 pm

        We agree! Adding mushrooms is so delicious!

        Reply
    34. Jacqui says

      December 04, 2021 at 11:14 am

      Wanna cook Tofu to perfection? Then you gotta make this recipe! It’s so tasty!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 06, 2021 at 12:35 pm

        Thanks Jacqui!! Who doesn't love mushrooms right?

        Reply
    35. Terri says

      April 06, 2020 at 6:46 am

      Thanks for this authentic , easy and delicious recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        March 08, 2021 at 3:33 pm

        THanks Terri!

        Reply
    36. Colleen says

      April 03, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      This looks delicious, and replacing the meat with mushrooms sounds even better. I have some tofu in the fridge so now I know what we'll be eating this weekend. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        April 04, 2020 at 10:49 am

        Hope this solves dinner tonight for you 🙂

        Reply
    37. Kristen says

      April 03, 2020 at 1:16 pm

      This sounds fantastic - I love everything in here.
      Curious if there is a substitute for the black bean and garlic sauce?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        April 04, 2020 at 10:50 am

        you can also try using oyster sauce if you want to sub out black bean sauce. The flavour profile will be a little less strong

        Reply
    38. Ayngelina Brogan says

      April 02, 2020 at 5:41 am

      I have been looking for some vegetarian recipes to make while we're all stuck in and this one is great, I have everything but the black bean sauce, which is going on my grocery list!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        April 02, 2020 at 1:25 pm

        Can't wait to see what you make of it! Tag me @instanomss let me see your dish 🙂

        Reply
    39. Joyce says

      March 31, 2020 at 11:26 am

      Great idea on replacing the meat with king oyster mushrooms. I think I will like this!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        April 02, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        It's super tasty and you def won't miss the meat!

        Reply
    40. Cynthia says

      March 31, 2020 at 9:20 am

      Yum! I love mapo tofu and my oldest gorges on tofu. Do you have a recipe to make black bean garlic sauce? We aren’t going to the grocery stores and are ordering groceries online.

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        April 02, 2020 at 1:24 pm

        i haven't tried to make my own black bean sauce - since I will have to buy and ferment the black beans 🙂 Hopefully you can get your hands on it. Or you can order it with Amazon. I've linked it on my blog post 🙂

        Reply

    Comment Below Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    nancy wu nomss.com

    Hi, I'm Nancy!

    I'm a finance professional and a Mommy to a toddler girl based Vancouver, BC, Canada.

    I love modern Chinese cooking, Asian inspired recipes and healthy vegan / vegetarian / plant-based substitutes focused on healthy family, wellness and sustainability.

    For skincare, beauty and Motherhood, visit our sister blog hellonance.com

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Cheesecake Factory Copycat nomss
      Best Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Cheesecake Factory Copycat
    • 螞蟻上樹 Ants Climbing Up A Tree (Vegan)
      Ants Climbing Up A Tree 螞蟻上樹
    • Microwave Gluten Free Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
      Microwave Gluten Free Au Gratin Potatoes (Vegan)
    • Traditional Dalgona Whipped Coffee Recipe 달고나 커피
      Traditional Dalgona Whipped Coffee Recipe 달고나 커피
    • 杏汁燉竹絲雞 Chinese Almonds Silkie Chicken Soup
      Chinese Almonds Silkie Chicken Soup 杏汁燉竹絲雞湯
    • 南北杏南瓜排骨湯 Chinese Kabocha Pork Ribs Soup
      Chinese Kabocha Pork Ribs Soup 南北杏南瓜排骨湯
    • 綠豆沙 Sweet Mung Bean Soup
      Easy Chinese Sweet Mung Bean Soup 綠豆沙
    • Moisturizing Chinese Apple Sea Coconut Soup 雪梨蘋果海底椰玉竹無花果湯
      Moisturizing Chinese Apple Sea Coconut Soup 雪梨蘋果海底椰玉竹無花果湯

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • Shop my Liketo.Knowit

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Nomss.com #instanomss