This one’s for when you’re craving something warm, spicy, and seriously satisfying. Mapo Tofu Ramen takes the bold flavors of classic Chinese Mapo Tofu and mixes it up with cozy, slurpable ramen noodles.
It’s perfect for a chilly night, or really any night you want something comforting but a little different. We love this recipe at our house—it’s quick, flavorful, and super fun for the kids to help stir. Let’s dive in!
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This dish has a little bit of everything:
- Spicy and savory flavor that warms you up from the inside
- Comforting ramen noodles everyone loves
- Protein-packed tofu that soaks up all that flavor
- Super quick to make, especially on busy nights
- It’s fun to make with kids—my youngest loves to help with the noodles!
🍜 What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or avocado oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 pound ground pork (or chicken, or plant-based meat)
- 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or veggie broth
- 1 block (14 oz) soft tofu, cubed
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard flavor packets)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use soft tofu, not firm. It soaks up more flavor and has the best texture for this dish.
- Don’t skip the doubanjiang! It’s the magic ingredient that gives that spicy-savory depth.
- Let the kids break the ramen noodles before cooking—it’s a fun way to get them involved.
- Make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or just extra tofu.
- Watch the salt. Doubanjiang and soy sauce are salty, so go light on extra seasoning until you taste.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl for cornstarch mix
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No pork? Use ground chicken or turkey—or go meatless with mushrooms or plant-based meat.
- No doubanjiang? Mix a little miso paste with chili sauce as a backup.
- Add veggies: Try bok choy, spinach, or sliced mushrooms.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free ramen and tamari instead of soy sauce.
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
- You can prep everything ahead: mince garlic and ginger, cube tofu, slice green onions.
- Make the sauce base (up to adding tofu) and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and add noodles when ready to serve.
👩🍳 How to Make Mapo Tofu Ramen
1. Cook the Aromatics
Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Pork
Add ground pork to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Sauces
Stir in doubanjiang, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing.
4. Add Broth and Tofu
Pour in broth and gently add tofu cubes. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Stir in cornstarch-water mix and let simmer for 1-2 more minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Cook the Ramen
Add dry ramen noodles directly to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
7. Top and Serve
Turn off heat. Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
🥢 What to Serve With
- Steamed edamame
- Quick cucumber salad
- Pickled veggies
- Jasmine tea or chilled green tea
❓ FAQ
Can I make it less spicy?
Yep! Just use half the amount of doubanjiang or use a mild version.
Can I use firm tofu?
Sure, but soft tofu gives the best silky texture.
Can I make it ahead?
You can make the sauce and tofu part ahead. Just cook noodles fresh so they don’t get soggy.
What’s the best ramen to use?
Any instant ramen works! Just toss the flavor packets.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove or microwave—add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
- Noodles will soak up the broth, but it still tastes great!
🧡 Let’s Make It Happen!
This Mapo Tofu Ramen is cozy, bold, and a total weeknight win. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or spice lovers, there’s room to tweak it just how you like. Give it a try, and let me know how it went in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out or help if you have any questions! 🍜✨