Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Sauce and Garlic Scapes

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

A savory Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring firm tofu and fragrant garlic scapes tossed in a rich black bean sauce. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic scapes 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 6 garlic scapes cut into 2-inch pieces, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 1 tbsp chopped fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar, mixing well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the pan and pour in 1/4 cup water along with 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and garlic scapes.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using) for a subtle heat. Toss gently and remove from heat immediately to preserve texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Sauce and Garlic Scapes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sauce and Garlic Scapes?

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 Sauce and Garlic Scapes?

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 Sauce and Garlic Scapes 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 Sauce and Garlic Scapes 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.

Related recipes