Chinese Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce
Firm tofu cubes stir-fried in a savory black bean garlic sauce with bell peppers and scallions for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes blends firm tofu, drained and cubed, garlic cloves, minced, medium bell pepper, sliced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 2 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
- 3 stalks green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubed and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same wok, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp mashed fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced bell pepper and 3 chopped green onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pour the sauce into the wok.
- Step 5: Return the fried tofu to the wok and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chinese Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Chinese Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chinese Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chinese Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chinese Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce?
Chinese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
