Mapo Tofu with Minced Beef & Szechuan Pepper
A masterpiece of historic Sichuan province: silky soft tofu cubes in a fiery red sauce flavoured with Sichuan pepper and sesame oil, with a little minced meat. A dish that combines the warmth of Asian spices with the lightness of plant soy protein.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Tofu soaks up the flavours of the sauce beautifully; enjoy it as a warm dish on cold days, with sautéed vegetables to soften the heat of the spices.
Best preparation methods
Blanch the tofu cubes in salted water for one minute before adding them to the sauce so they don’t break up while stirring, and use genuine Sichuan pepper to stimulate circulation.
Important Nutritional Note
It contains very little starch (under 5 g per 100 g), so the glycemic index does not apply and its glycemic load is nil; an excellent choice for people with insulin resistance who want a filling, low-starch meal.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal | 362.5 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g | 30 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.5 g | 11.2 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 3 g | 7.5 g |
| Fat | 9 g | 22.5 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.5 g | 3.8 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 145 kcal per 100 g, ranking 14 of 31 in Asian dishes (lowest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is mapo tofu suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes, excellent. Tofu does not raise blood sugar at all, and the hot spices and capsaicin help boost the daily metabolic rate and calorie burning.
Is it suitable for a vegetarian diet?
The traditional version contains minced meat, but you can easily replace the meat with chopped shiitake mushrooms for a 100% vegetarian, high-protein dish.
What is the nutritional value of a 250 g portion?
It contains about 360 kcal, 30 g protein, 22.5 g healthy fat and only 7.5 g available (net) carbohydrate.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.