Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce

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

A vibrant and hearty vegetarian stir-fry featuring firm tofu and crisp bell peppers in a bold black bean sauce. This chinese-inspired game day (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper 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: 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 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp minced ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper to the wok, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp black bean sauce and 1 tbsp soy sauce, mixing well to coat the peppers.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the wok, toss everything together, and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top for freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does 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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

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

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