Louis Tikaram’s vegan ma po tofu

The Stanley chef's meat-free take on the Sichuanese classic.

Ma po tofu in a white bowl with a green napkin and brass cutlery in the background — Want the recipe for Louis Tikaram's zucchini ma po tofu?

Serves 4

Prep

20M

Cook

25M

Total

45M

Skip to Recipe

“If you have a Chinese grandmother, you will know this warming, soulful dish,” says Louis Tikaram. “It’s usually cooked with pork mince, but I’ve substituted zucchini to give it a great texture and flavour. It’s perfect for a snack or as part of a main meal.”

Ingredients

3 tsp canola oil

15 gm ginger (about 3cm), finely grated with a Microplane

15 gm garlic, finely grated with a Microplane

1¼ tbsp chilli bean paste (see note)

3 tsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari

3 tsp mushroom oyster sauce

2 tsp cornflour

300 gm silken tofu, removed from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking

½ zucchini, finely diced

Coriander, finely julienned spring onion and finely sliced birdseye chillies, to serve

Method

1.Heat oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add ginger and garlic and stir occasionally until golden and starting to stick to the saucepan (8-10 minutes).

2.Add chilli bean paste and simmer, scraping pan, until mixture is aromatic (2-3 minutes).

3.Add soy and mushroom oyster sauce, stir, then add 180ml water, continuing to scrape base of the saucepan to release all the crunchy pieces. Increase heat to medium, then simmer to allow flavours to develop and liquid to reduce slightly (2-3 minutes).

4.Whisk cornflour and 1 tbsp cold water in a bowl until combined. Whisk into sauce mixture until thickened (1 minute). Add tofu and zucchini, gently stir to break up slightly, then cover and cook until warmed through (5-6 minutes).

5.Serve in a large bowl with coriander, spring onion and chilli scattered on top.