If you’ve ever watched Jujutsu Kaisen, you know that epic battles aren’t the only thing heating up—Yuji Itadori and his friends also dive into some seriously delicious dishes! One memorable anime-inspired snack is Mapo Tofu, the spicy comfort food Gojo-sensei and his students savor in one hilarious dinner scene. Ready to bring this fun anime recipe into your kitchen?

Anime Connection

Jujutsu Kaisen combines action-packed battles with quirky humor, and food scenes add a warm touch to the sorcerer students’ daily lives. In episode 13, after intense training, Yuji and his friends gather around to enjoy a mouth-watering dish of Mapo Tofu—highlighting their bonds and giving viewers a spicy glimpse into their lives beyond battling curses.

Recipe Idea

Here’s your simple, flavorful DIY recipe for homemade anime treats: Mapo Tofu!

Ingredients:

• 1 pack silken tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp spicy chili bean paste (Doubanjiang)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ lb ground pork (or substitute with chicken, turkey, or mushrooms)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add ground pork (or your preferred substitute) and cook thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula.
3. Stir in spicy chili bean paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tofu gently to the pan, pour in soy sauce, sugar, and broth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
5. Mix in cornstarch slurry slowly, stirring gently until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice.

Parent’s Corner

This easy anime food idea is perfect for introducing kids to cooking (with supervision). Younger chefs can help cube the tofu and measure ingredients. For spice-sensitive kids, cut the chili bean paste in half or use a milder sauce. The dish provides good protein from tofu and pork, plus it’s easily customizable—swap pork for mushrooms or turkey for dietary or allergy preferences.

Conclusion

Creating this anime-inspired Mapo Tofu is a fun and tasty way to bring the excitement of Jujutsu Kaisen right into your home. Give this recipe a try, share your delicious results on social media, and let us know your family’s reactions in the comments!