Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean and Chili Sauce

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with a spicy, savory black bean chili sauce that delivers bold flavors and a perfect balance of heat. This chinese-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, fermented black beans, chili garlic sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 400 g firm tofu cubes and fry for 5-7 minutes turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 tbsp mashed fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce and 2 tbsp soy sauce, stirring to combine. Pour in 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 3 sliced green onions, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean and Chili 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 Black Bean and Chili 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 Black Bean and Chili 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 Black Bean and Chili Sauce 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean and Chili Sauce?

Chinese vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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