Mapo eggplant from Tenderheart: A Book About Vegetables and Unbreakable Family Bonds (page 178) by Hetty Lui McKinnon

  • five-spice powder
    This classic Chinese five spice mix unites the five flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory. Based on the traditional philosophy of balancing yin and yang, Chinese five spice complements fatty meats like pork belly, goose, and duck. (The Spice House) Buy Now
  • dried shiitake mushrooms
    Buy Now
  • Show all ingredients...
  • Serves : 4

  • EYB Comments

    Can substitute tamari for soy sauce; black bean sauce for doubanjiang; shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or Swiss brown mushrooms for dried shiitake mushrooms; and zucchini for Chinese eggplants.

Where’s the full recipe - why can I only see the ingredients?

Always check the publication for a full list of ingredients. An Eat Your Books index lists the main ingredients and does not include 'store-cupboard ingredients' (salt, pepper, oil, flour, etc.) - unless called for in significant quantity.

Notes about this recipe

  • Eat Your Books

    Can substitute tamari for soy sauce; black bean sauce for doubanjiang; shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or Swiss brown mushrooms for dried shiitake mushrooms; and zucchini for Chinese eggplants.

  • john_0dr7c7 on March 18, 2026

    So delicious. Great depth of flavor

  • bernalgirl on August 10, 2025

    A very nice eggplant preparation although I’d make a few changes next time: halve the five spice, and dice the tofu, or at least half of it. I may have over-crumbled it, but I would like more pieces and less mush. I’d also finish with Sichuan peppercorns for that numbing effect.

  • alinutzamica on August 07, 2025

    For a vegetarian mapo version, this is very good. It took awhile to cook the aubergine.

  • Lsblackburn1 on January 27, 2024

    Very delicious and easy to make.

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