Stewed Tofu with Green Beans and Chili

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

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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and 12 oz green beans into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 2 sliced green onions; cook for 1 minute until onions wilt.

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.

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