Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft tofu stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a savory black bean and chili sauce, delivering bold Hunan flavors with a vegetarian twist. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger 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 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add 14 oz cubed firm tofu; cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to one side of the skillet, add 1 tbsp chopped fermented black beans, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper; stir-fry with tofu for 3 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, then add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water; cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and evenly coats tofu and vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped scallions before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean 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 Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean 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 Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean 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 Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean 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.

Is Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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