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Readers, here is a fact about me: I have an obsession with Sichuan cuisine. It’s the savoriness, the chili oil, the numbing spice, the aromatics that really checks all of the boxes for me. House Foods’ Instant Chinese Mabo Tofu Sauce really does the trick when I only have time to cook for about 20 minutes!
What is Mabo Tofu?
Hailing from the Sichuan province in China, Mapo tofu is mainly comprised of ground meat, tofu (of course), and spicy bean paste (doubanjiang). The dish known for its signature ‘mala’ or ‘numbing’ spice, although depending on the chef, the amount of spice may vary.
Mapo tofu has many variations apart from its own original version – Japanese, Korean and even American. Japanese mapo tofu does not contain sichuan peppercorn, Korean mapo tofu uses a mix of gochujang and doubanjiang, and American mapo tofu omits ground meat to appeal to vegetarian consumers.
House Foods Instant Chinese Mabo Tofu Sauce
- As the box states, this box only comes with the Mabo sauce. Feel free to use any ground protein you like – traditionally beef is used, but we prefer pork as it gives a bit more flavor to the dish.
- Season to your tasting! Add more bean paste if you have that on hand, or simply more salt.
- House Foods also offers their Mabo Tofu sauce in other spice levels (Mild, Medium & Hot).
- Here, we added Fly by Jing’s Sichuan Chili Crisp! Truly the best accompaniment/addition to this dish.
Honest Review/Thoughts
I’ve seen other reviews saying that they thought this was a bit bland. I didn’t find that to be the case, but of course, season how you’d like/taste as you go. There isn’t a ‘numbing’ spice at all, so don’t let the packaging deter you away! For even more protein, we sometimes replace regular tofu with egg tofu. I usually keep a box of this in my pantry when I want a quick and easy main dish to enjoy with a piping hot bowl of steamed rice. Convenient and tasty!
Rating: 6/10 | Spice Level: 3/10
Cooking InstructionS
Here’s how to cook House Foods Mabo Tofu Sauce:
[See video at end of this post.]
- Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in a skillet or wok at medium heat.
- Add your brown meat and cook until it has browned.
- Add House Foods Chinese Mabo Tofu Sauce and simmer.
- Gently stir in cubed tofu and bring to a simmer again.
- Turn off heat and garnish with green onions and other toppings of choice.
Where to Buy House Foods Instant Chinese Mabo Tofu Sauce
I found House Foods Instant Chinese Mabo Tofu Sauce at my local Asian grocery stores (Kukje Supermarket, H-Mart, Pacific Super, Manila Oriental).
Online, you may purchase on
- Amazon at this link here: https://amzn.to/41gk44b
- Walmart at this link here: https://www.walmart.com/ip/House-Chinese-Mabo-Tofu-Sauce-5-29-oz/10451846
- Instacart at this link here: https://www.instacart.com/store/list/072617b3-e762-429a-9a7c-545698dee321?utm_medium=shared_list
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