Japanese-Style Non-Spicy Mapo Tofu
- Asako
- May 23, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: May 30
Looking for a cozy, comforting dinner without the heat? This non-spicy Japanese-style Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) is a gentle take on the classic Chinese dish. Made with grass-fed beef, tofu, and nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach and peas, it’s nourishing, flavorful, and easy on the stomach. Perfect for kids or anyone who prefers milder meals.
Want to turn up the heat? Just stir in a spoonful (or more) of Doubanjiang (豆板醤), a spicy chili bean paste, to give it that familiar fiery kick. Serve it over a warm bowl of rice or enjoy it on its own, it’s satisfying either way.
Ingredients:
<Servings 2>
1 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
7 oz firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes (if you use soft tofu, you need to drain tofu)
80g (about 3 oz) grass-fed ground beef
1/2 cup spinach or other green leaves
1/2 cup fresh peas (if you use frozen peas, you don't need to boil them)
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 green onion, chopped as garnish
Seasonings
* Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
4 tsp soy sauce or tamari shoyu (for gluten-free)
1 tsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
2 tsp sake
2 tsp potato or cornstarch
2 tsp water
If you want to spicy, add 1 tbsp (or more) of Doubanjiang (豆板醤)
Instructions
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add peas and boil for 1 minute. Drain and set aside. If you use frozen peas, omit this process.
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook for 2 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and add tofu. Gently stir for 5 minutes, being careful not to break the tofu.
Add peas, spinach, and the prepared seasoning mix. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Top with chopped green onion and enjoy warm, ideally with a bowl of rice.
Posted on May 23rd, 2019
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