Stewed Tofu with Green Beans and Chili
Silky tofu simmered with crisp green beans and aromatic dried chilies in a savory-sweet broth. This chinese-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs firm tofu, green beans, dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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 firm tofu
- 12 oz green beans
- 4 dried red chilies
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice wine
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 14 oz firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and 12 oz green beans into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 4 dried red chilies and stir for 5 seconds until fragrant, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until golden.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz tofu cubes and 12 oz green beans; stir-fry for 2 minutes to coat. Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice wine, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1 cup water; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Cover and cook for 20 minutes until beans are tender. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry; stir into pot and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 2 sliced green onions; cook for 1 minute until onions wilt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Tofu with Green Beans and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 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 Stewed Tofu with Green Beans and Chili?
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 Stewed Tofu with Green Beans and Chili?
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 Stewed Tofu with Green Beans and Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Stewed Tofu with Green Beans and Chili 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
