Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce

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

A quick stir-fry combining crispy tofu with colorful bell peppers in a bold, spicy black bean sauce for a satisfying vegetarian entree. This chinese-inspired super bowl (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz cubed firm tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add sliced 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp mashed fermented black beans to the peppers, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp chili paste. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return crispy tofu to the wok, toss everything together for 1 minute to combine.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, and garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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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