Mapo Tofu Noodles

Inspired by the bold flavours of classic Mapo Tofu, this spicy noodle dish combines Beluga Lentils with silky tofu, fiery chilli bean paste and chewy udon noodles. Rich, savoury and packed with texture, it's a quick plant-based dinner that delivers restaurant-worthy flavour in just 20 minutes.

Written by Merchant Gourmet
Mapo Tofu Noodles
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 tbsp chilli bean paste (Doubanjiang)
  • 1 pouch Merchant Gourmet Beluga Lentils
  • 6–8 tbsp black bean chilli oil
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • 500g medium tofu, cut into cubes
  • Sea salt
  • 800g ready-to-cook udon noodles
  • 4 spring onions, finely sliced
  • Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground (optional)

Shop the recipe

Beluga Lentils
Beluga Lentils
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the chilli bean paste and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the flavours to develop. For a milder dish, reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons.
  3. Add the Merchant Gourmet Simply Cooked Beluga Lentils and rice vinegar, stirring well to combine and scrape up any caramelised bits from the pan.
  4. Stir in the sugar and black bean chilli oil, then gently fold through the tofu. Add a splash of water or vegetable stock if the sauce looks too thick.
  5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Meanwhile, place the udon noodles in a large heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 2–3 minutes until loosened, then gently separate the noodles and drain well.
  7. Season the Mapo sauce with sea salt to taste.
  8. Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
  9. Divide between four bowls and spoon over any remaining sauce. Finish with sliced spring onions and a sprinkling of Sichuan peppercorns, if using.

More recipes

United Kingdom

Your location is set to United Kingdom