15+ Simple Mapo Tofu Recipes You’ll Want to Make Tonight!

Mapo tofu is more than just a dish; it’s an explosion of flavor in every bite. This beloved Chinese classic combines silky tofu with a spicy, aromatic sauce that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking to whip up something that impresses without overwhelming your kitchen skills, you’re in the right place!

Mapo Tofu: The Classic Recipe

Authentic Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) from Omnivore's Cookbook

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Five spice powder, ground pork, soy sauce, homemade chili oil, ginger Total Time: 25 min.

Mapo Tofu, the Authentic Way (麻婆豆腐) from Red House Spice

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Fermented black beans, minced beef, chilli bean paste, ginger, rice wine Total Time: fermented black beans, minced beef, chilli bean paste, ginger, rice wine.

Mapo Tofu from The Woks of Life

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Spicy bean sauce, ground pork, silken tofu, sesame oil, chicken broth Total Time: 35 min.

This traditional mapo tofu recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, savory flavors. Made with soft tofu, ground pork (or beef), and a delightful mix of spices, this dish is comforting and satisfying. What makes this recipe special is the balance between the spiciness of Sichuan peppercorns and the umami from the meat and soy sauce, creating a complex yet approachable flavor profile.

Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

Vegetarian Mapo Tofu from Omnivore's Cookbook

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.

Vegan Mapo Tofu from The Woks of Life

Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.

Vegetarian Mapo Tofu from Tiffy Cooks

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

If you’re looking for a meatless option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this vegetarian mapo tofu will hit the spot! Using mushrooms and a rich fermented black bean paste, this dish packs a punch, making it just as delicious as the traditional version. The earthy notes from the mushrooms combined with the spicy kick makes it perfect for a cozy night in.

Spicy Mapo Tofu with Chili Oil

Three Chili Mapo Tofu (Vegan) from Doobydobap

Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Soy sauce, chinese chives, chili oil, chili paste, potato starch Total Time: 25 mins.

Mapo Tofu from Serious Eats

Rating: 4.3. Ingredients: Ground beef, silken tofu, dark soy sauce, roasted chili oil, greens Total Time: 20 mins.

Authentic Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) from Omnivore's Cookbook

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Five spice powder, ground pork, soy sauce, homemade chili oil, ginger Total Time: 25 mins.

For those who love their food with an extra kick, this spicy mapo tofu recipe is for you. The addition of homemade chili oil elevates the dish, giving it a vibrant color and a fiery flavor that you won’t forget. What sets this recipe apart is the way the chili oil infuses the dish, making it a standout on your dinner table!

Mapo Tofu with Bell Peppers

Mapo Tofu, the Authentic Way (麻婆豆腐) from Red House Spice

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Fermented black beans, minced beef, chilli bean paste, ginger, rice wine Total Time: fermented black beans, minced beef, chilli bean paste, ginger, rice wine.

Mapo Tofu from Diversivore

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Oyster sauce, ground pork, balsamic vinegar, thick soy sauce, sesame oil Total Time: 45 min.

Dad's Mapo Tofu with Pork: A Chinese Chef's Secrets (Video)! from Made With Lau

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Ground bean sauce, oyster sauce, ground pork, chili sauce, dark soy sauce Total Time: 20 min.

This colorful variation includes crunchy bell peppers that add both sweetness and texture to the dish. The combination of tender tofu and crisp veggies makes it a delightful treat that’s visually appealing too! It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while still enjoying that signature mapo tofu taste.

Quick Mapo Tofu in 30 Minutes

Easy 15-Minute Mapo Tofu from Cookerru

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, soft tofu, minced chicken, spicy bean paste Total Time: oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, soft tofu, minced chicken, spicy bean paste.

Easy Mapo Tofu Recipe from Mikha Eats

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Oyster sauce, ground pork, silken tofu, dark soy sauce, sesame oil Total Time: 30 min.

Mapo Tofu (Mabo Dofu) from Just One Cookbook

Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Oyster sauce, ground pork, tofu, miso, soy sauce Total Time: 25 min.

Short on time? This quick mapo tofu recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a homemade meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. The secret here is using pre-prepared sauces that still deliver amazing flavor without the fuss!

Mapo Tofu with Eggplants

Mapo Eggplant from The Woks of Life

Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Spicy bean sauce, fermented black beans, ground pork, chinese eggplant, homemade chili oil Total Time: 45 min.

Mapo Eggplant from Food52

Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Dark soy sauce, soy sauce, fermented bean paste, chinese eggplant, ginger Total Time: 20 min.

Mapo Eggplant (麻婆茄子) from Omnivore's Cookbook

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Ground chicken, soy sauce, homemade chili oil, ginger, garlic Total Time: 35 min.

Eggplants bring a wonderful creaminess to this mapo tofu recipe, making it a unique twist on the classic. The soft, tender eggplants soak up the spicy sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s a delightful option for those who want to explore different textures and flavors in their cooking!