Description
Creamy Mapo Tofu Salad made with crunchy cabbage, warm spicy pork mince, and a smooth tofu dressing. This quick, flavorful, Sichuan-inspired salad is perfect for a weeknight meal or using up leftovers, and an easy, delicious way to get your fiber. Bold, savory, and absolutely addictive!
Ingredients
Units
- 1/2 head (~450 g/1lbs) flat leaf cabbage
- 1 block (200-300 g) soft tofu*
- pinch of salt, to taste
- 2 pinches of white pepper, optional
- 1 cup mapo mince (from leftover mapo tofu or recipe below)
- chili crisp, green onions and sesame seeds for topping
Mapo Mince
- 1/2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 lbs (224 g) ground pork
- 1 tbsp doubanjang
- 1 tbsp garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely minced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp msg or chicken boullion powder, optional
- 1/2 tbsp chili crisp oil
- 1/4 tsp ground sichuan peppercorns
Instructions
- Prep the cabbage: Slice the cabbage into thin strips (or rough chop for more texture). Rinse and dry thoroughly to keep the salad crisp and prevent watering down the dressing. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Make the creamy tofu dressing: Add tofu, salt, and white pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Warm the mapo mince: Reheat leftover mapo mince or prepare it using the recipe below.
- Assemble the salad: While the mince is still warm, add it to the cabbage. Pour the creamy tofu dressing over top. Add chili crisp, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.
- Toss & serve: Toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, enjoy!!
Mapo Mince
- Cook the pork: Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and spread it out. Let it sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then break it up and cook until lightly browned and some fat has rendered.
- Fry the doubanjiang: Lower heat to medium. Push the pork to one side and add the doubanjiang to the oil. Fry for 20–30 seconds until the oil turns red and fragrant.
- Add aromatics: Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion. Stir-fry for 30–45 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
- Deglaze & season: Add Shaoxing wine, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, and MSG or chicken bouillon powder (if using). Stir well and cook for 30 seconds to let the alcohol cook off.
- Finish the mince: Reduce heat to low. Stir in chili crisp oil and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Add the green onion tops and cook for another 15–20 seconds.
- Adjust consistency (optional): If the mixture looks dry, add 1–2 tbsp water or stock to loosen it slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main, Salad, Side
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired, Sichuan-inspired fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Entire recipe
- Calories: 1050
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1900 mg
- Fat: 68 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 48 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 13 g
- Protein: 78 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg