Experience a guilt-free twist on a Sichuan classic with this Low Carb Mapo Tofu recipe! Packed with bold flavors, it's a savory combination of tender firm tofu and juicy ground pork coated in a spicy, umami-rich sauce. Featuring the signature tingling heat of Sichuan peppercorns, aromatic garlic, and ginger, and a luscious, thick sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin, and chicken broth, this dish balances authentic flavor and a health-conscious approach. Perfect for those seeking low-carb dinner ideas, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with just a 30-minute total cook time. Serve it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with a side of steamed greens for a perfect low-carb meal!
Cut the firm tofu into cubes and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the Sichuan peppercorns and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the peppercorns from the oil.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the infused oil and stir-fry for another minute.
Add the ground pork to the pan and cook until the meat turns brown, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
Add the red chili flakes, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Gently add the tofu cubes to the sauce, stirring lightly to coat them without breaking.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour it into the pan to thicken the sauce.
Simmer the sauce and tofu mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and gently stir to combine.
Garnish with finely chopped scallions before serving.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional chili flakes for extra spice.
Calories |
1537 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 105.4 g | 135% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.5 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 226 mg | 75% | |
| Sodium | 1734 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.9 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.4 g | ||
| Protein | 124.1 g | 248% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 888 mg | 68% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1001 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.