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IDDSI Level 6 · Soft

Mapo Tofu (Mild, Soft)

Silky soft tofu in a mild, savory sauce.

Mapo Tofu (Mild, Soft) — soft texture, IDDSI Level 6
J
Jaw Surgery Diet
Texture graded against the IDDSI framework. Not individually reviewed by a clinician — how this site works
18g
Protein
280
kcal
10g
Carbs
17g
Fat
2g
Fibre
2
Servings

Ingredients

  • 400g soft tofu, cut into small cubes
  • 1 tbsp mild doubanjiang or soy bean paste
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 150 ml broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Finely chopped soft spring onion

Makes 2 servings · 20 min · Chinese

Method

  1. Gently warm the tofu cubes in simmering water for 2 minutes, then drain.
  2. Simmer the paste, soy and broth, then thicken with cornstarch slurry.
  3. Fold the soft tofu through the sauce carefully so pieces stay intact.
  4. Finish with sesame oil; keep it mild and skip chili flakes during recovery.
Texture note — IDDSI Level 6

Soft & bite-sized Level 6. Mash the tofu fully for a Level 5 texture.

Why this works at IDDSI Level 6

Level 6 is soft and bite-sized: pieces no larger than about 15 mm that break apart with light pressure from the side of a fork. No hard, sticky, stringy or crunchy textures, and nothing that needs a bite force you have not been cleared for. This is the last stage before regular food.

At 2 servings this recipe delivers 18g of protein and 280 kcal per serving in about 20 min — worth knowing because protein intake, not calories alone, is what limits soft-tissue healing when chewing is restricted. Move up a stage on your surgeon's or speech-language pathologist's timeline rather than by how you feel on a given day: texture that is too advanced is the most common cause of pain, wound irritation and choking risk in the first weeks.

See all soft-stage recipes →

See it made, or buy it nearby

Texture is hard to judge from written steps alone. Watching someone make it is often the quickest way to see how smooth “smooth” actually needs to be — and on the days cooking is too much, finding somewhere nearby that already makes it is a reasonable substitute.

Watch this recipe Find this dish near me

What makes this easier

High-power blender and soft-tip feeding spoons. The recovery kit explains why each one earns its place, and what to look for when buying.

More soft-stage recipes

Ricotta Polenta IDDSI 6 · Soft Ricotta Polenta Italian · 25 min Soft, forkable polenta folded with ricotta. 13.2g protein385 kcal ▶ 📍
Medical disclaimer. Jaw Surgery Diet is patient education, not medical advice, and it does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Texture stages here follow the IDDSI framework, but the right stage for you is the one your own surgeon, speech-language pathologist or dietitian has set. If you are unsure whether a texture is safe for you — or if you cough, choke or feel food catching when you swallow — stop and contact your care team.