Spicy Korean Mapo Tofu (No Doubanjiang)
Quick & Easy Korean-Style Mapo Tofu Recipe Without Doubanjiang
Craving Mapo Tofu but realized you’re out of doubanjiang? Don’t worry! You can still make a delicious, Korean-style Mapo Tofu with ingredients you likely have at home. This recipe offers a comforting, slightly spicy flavor profile, perfect for a home-cooked meal. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 300-350g) firm tofu
- 1 stalk green onion (white parts primarily)
- 1/2 onion
- 250g ground pork
- 2 cups (approx. 400ml) water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 Tbsp water)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Seasoning Mix
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste, enhances umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/3 Tbsp oyster sauce (optional, adds more umami)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste, enhances umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/3 Tbsp oyster sauce (optional, adds more umami)
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the seasoning mix that will give our Korean-style Mapo Tofu its delicious flavor. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp doenjang, 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/3 Tbsp oyster sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix them thoroughly. This blend will develop a deep flavor as it cooks with the other ingredients.
Step 2
While you can use the seasoning mix immediately, letting it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste. If time permits, this resting step is highly recommended!
Step 3
Next, prepare your vegetables. Finely chop the white parts of the green onion. Dice or thinly slice the half onion. The sweetness and aroma from these vegetables will enhance the overall flavor of the Mapo Tofu.
Step 4
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. You can use any type of tofu you prefer – silken, stewing, or firm tofu are all suitable. Personally, I find the softer varieties give a more tender texture.
Step 5
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil, and then add the chopped green onions. Gently sauté them until they release their fragrant aroma and create a delicious scallion-infused oil. This step is key for building flavor.
Step 6
Once the scallion oil is fragrant, add the sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them until they become translucent and slightly softened. The onions will release their natural sweetness when cooked in the oil.
Step 7
When the onions are translucent, add the ground pork. Use a spatula or chopsticks to break up any clumps of meat and stir-fry until the pork is fully cooked and no longer pink. Ensure the pork is browned nicely for optimal flavor.
Step 8
Once the pork is cooked, add all of the prepared seasoning mix to the pan. Stir-fry for about a minute to combine the flavors with the pork and onions. Then, pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Cooking the seasoning paste first helps to deepen its flavor.
Step 9
As the sauce begins to boil, carefully add the cubed tofu. Gently stir to distribute the tofu without breaking it. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the tofu to absorb the savory flavors.
Step 10
It’s time to achieve the perfect consistency. In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp of cornstarch with 2 Tbsp of water until smooth and no lumps remain. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering Mapo Tofu while stirring. Add it little by little until you reach your desired thickness; avoid adding it all at once to prevent over-thickening.
Step 11
Stir everything together, and your delicious Korean-style Mapo Tofu, made without doubanjiang, is ready! Serve it generously over a bowl of hot steamed rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish made with simple ingredients!
