# Mapo Tofu Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/mapo-tofu
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: mapo tofu recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for mapo tofu, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
## Ingredients
- ¼ cup dried Tianjin chiles or chiles de árbol
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons plus ¼ cup chili oil
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 4 cups low-salt chicken broth
- 4 cups dry white wine
- ⅔ cup fish sauce (such as nuoc nam or nam pla)
- ½ cup fermented black beans (from one 4-ounce can, rinsed, drained)
- ½ cup pepper oil
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 1" cubes
- ¼ cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems plus more chopped for garnish
- ¾ cup red Thai chiles
- ½ cup chopped garlic
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup grated peeled ginger (from two 4x1-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup sliced scallion (about 1)
- 1 8x4" piece kombu
- Kosher salt
- 2 pounds soft (silken) tofu, cut into 1" cubes
- Pepper oil
- Scallions, sliced thinly on a diagonal
- Chili oil
## Method
1. Spice Blend: Spice Blend
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/mapo-tofu-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Spice Blend for Mapo Tofu.
2. Brine: Brine
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/mapo-tofu-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Brine for Mapo Tofu.
3. Braise and Assembly: Braise and Assembly
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/mapo-tofu-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Braise and Assembly for Mapo Tofu.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This dinner recipe connects to the broader history of tofu in global food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/mapo-tofu/mapo-tofu-og.webp
- Description: Mapo Tofu. Photo: Sichuanfoodlover / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Mapo Tofu recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/mapo-tofu