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    Home » Main Recipes

    Non Spicy Mapo Tofu

    Published: Feb 21, 2023 by Natsuko · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    This non spicy mapo tofu is a great one to enjoy with everyone in the house including tiny toddlers. While being full of flavors, it is so light, made with healthy ground chicken.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Dairy free gluten free non spicy mapo tofu recipe

    Have you ever craved mapo tofu but changed your mind just because someone in the house cannot handle spicy food well? Then this one is for you! 

    Although the spiciness is toned down, it is loaded with deep, rich flavors from ginger, garlic and umami from the chicken itself. Needless to say, it goes incredibly well with a bowl of steamed rice and I am sure it will be your all time favorite soon.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for This Recipe
    • How to Make Non Spicy Mapo Tofu
    • Tips
    • Storing and Reheating Direction
    • You May Also Like...
    • Recipe

    Unlike regular mapo tofu from typical Chinese restaurants, this version is a lot lighter using less oil and just ground chicken (in place of pork). It is gentle on the stomach, making it ideal even as a late night meal. 

    Last but not least, this dish comes together in less than 20 minutes from start to finish using simple ingredients!

    Dairy free gluten free non spicy mapo tofu recipe

    Ingredients for This Recipe

    • Sesame oil
    • Garlic
    • Freshly grated ginger
    • Ground chicken
    • Salt
    • Water
    • Tamari
    • Firm tofu - medium soft tofu works as well but make sure to pat the surface well with paper towel as they contain more water than firm type.
    • Cornstarch

    Optional toppings:

    • Toasted white sesame
    • Scallions
    • Chili oil
    • Ground white pepper

    How to Make Non Spicy Mapo Tofu

    1. Heat up the sesame oil in a large pan or wok. Cook the garlic and ginger until fragrant.

    2. Add in the ground chicken and salt. Cook fully.

    3. Add in 1 ½ cup water, tamari, and tofu. Let simmer for 3 minutes.

    4. Combine ¼ cup water and cornstarch together and mix well. Stir into the pan and cook for another minute or so until the sauce thickens.

    5. Serve over rice and garnish with toppings of your choice.

    *See the recipe card below for detailed instructions.

    Ground pork being cooked in a wok.
    non spicy ma po tofu being cooked in a wok.

    Tips

    When mixing water and cornstarch together, make sure to use cold or room temperature water. If you use hot water, the cornstarch activates and turns into a gooey lump before you add it into the pan!

    Storing and Reheating Direction

    Cooked mapo tofu can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to use an airtight container. Microwave or cook in a pan to reheat.

    Dairy free gluten free non spicy mapo tofu recipe

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    • Garlic Mayo Shrimp (Japanese Ebi Mayo)

    Recipe

    Dairy free gluten free non spicy mapo tofu recipe

    Non Spicy Mapo Tofu

    This non-spicy mapo tofu is a great one to enjoy with everyone in the house including tiny toddlers. While being full of flavors, it is so light and made with ground chicken.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 349 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
    • 1 pound ground chicken
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cup water
    • 3 tablespoons tamari
    • 16 ounces firm tofu cut into ½ inch cubes
    • ¼ cup water for starch slurry, cold or room temperature
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

    Optional toppings:

    • Toasted white sesame
    • Scallions
    • Chili oil
    • Ground white pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Heat up the sesame oil in a large pan or wok. Cook the garlic and ginger until fragrant. 
    • Add in the ground chicken and salt. Cook fully.
    • Add in 1 ½ cup water, tamari, and tofu. Let simmer for 3 minutes.
    • In a small cup, combine ¼ cup of water and cornstarch together and mix well. Stir into the pan and cook for another minute or so whisking gently, until the sauce thickens.
    • Serve over rice and garnish with toppings of your choice.

    Notes

    When mixing water and cornstarch together, make sure to use cold or room temperature water. If you use hot water, the cornstarch activates and turns into a gooey lump before you add it into the pan.
    The nutrition amount for rice is not included in this recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 32gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 1414mgPotassium: 640mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 3mg

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @platesbynat or tag #platesbynat!

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    Natsuko Tiong, author of food blog: Plates by Nat

    Hi I’m Natsuko – recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind this blog. Made in Japan, based in Colorado US. Favorite things include peanut butter, matcha, and traveling!

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