Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce and Snow Peas

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

A colorful vegetarian stir-fry combining crispy tofu, tender snow peas, and a savory black bean garlic sauce for a satisfying meal. This chinese-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, vegetable oil, snow peas 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) 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 nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups trimmed snow peas to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp black bean garlic sauce, 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Mix well and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the golden tofu to the pan and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce and Snow Peas 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 Garlic Sauce and Snow Peas?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce and Snow Peas?

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 Garlic Sauce and Snow Peas 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 Black Bean Garlic Sauce and Snow Peas 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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