Silky tofu, bold spices, and a deep, savory sauce—Mapo Tofu is the ultimate comfort food. But today, I’m making it using a hand-drawn recipe from Linda Yi, aka Panda, the creator of Panda Cub Stories!
Panda recently published a beautifully illustrated deck of family recipes, combining whimsical comic-style art with meticulously written instructions. I couldn’t resist trying one out—so let’s cook some spicy, cozy, and absolutely irresistible Mapo Tofu!
What is Mapo Tofu?
Mapo Tofu is a classic Sichuan dish known for its bold, spicy flavors and silky-smooth tofu. It’s rich with umami from fermented black beans, Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang), and ground pork—plus that signature tingling heat from Sichuan peppercorns. Serve it over fluffy white rice, and you have the perfect warm, comforting meal.
How to Make It:
* Gather the ingredients: tofu, ground pork (optional), doubanjiang, fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, scallions, Sichuan peppercorn powder, chili oil, white pepper, salt, water, and potato starch.
* Cook the pork (if using), then set it aside.
* Build the sauce by stir-frying doubanjiang, fermented black beans, garlic, and ginger.
* Add the tofu and pork back in, along with water and seasonings. Let it simmer.
* Thicken the sauce with a potato starch slurry until rich and glossy.
* Garnish and serve over rice, with a sprinkle of fresh scallions and Sichuan peppercorn powder.
Want to see how I made the chili oil for this dish? I have a quick 60-second video on that too—check it out on my channel!
About Panda Cub Stories
Panda Cub Stories is a storytelling & food project by Linda Yi, celebrating heritage, family, and comfort food through art. Her illustrated recipe cards bring dishes to life in a way that’s fun, approachable, and deeply personal. You can learn more at PandaCubStories.com!
If you love exploration and delicious food, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more cooking adventures!
0:00 Intro: A Cozy, Spicy Hug in a Bowl
0:18 Illustrated Recipe by Panda Cub Stories
0:43 Ingredients: What You’ll Need
2:20 Cooking the Pork (Optional Step)
2:43 Building the Flavorful Sauce
3:22 Adding the Tofu
3:38 Simmering and Chili Oil
4:30 Thicken the Sauce for the Perfect Texture
5:01 Final Touches and Plating
5:19 Eating & Flavor Breakdown