Braised Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms in Black Bean Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

Silky tofu and earthy shiitake mushrooms simmered in a savory fermented black bean sauce, delivering rich umami in every bite. This Chinese recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm tofu, dried shiitake mushrooms, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 14 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
• 6 pieces, soaked and sliced dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp, rinsed and roughly chopped fermented black beans
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tbsp, minced ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water cornstarch slurry
• 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 tbsp chopped fermented black beans; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 6 soaked and sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 3/4 cup water; bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, gently spoon sauce over it, and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
6. Step 6: Slowly stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and coats tofu, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve warm with steamed rice.