Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Sauce and Snow Peas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes, crunchy snow peas, and a savory black bean sauce infused with garlic and ginger. This chinese-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes blends extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, cornstarch, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 4 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until all pieces are lightly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups trimmed snow peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp mashed fermented black beans, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook sauce for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the wok, tossing gently to coat in the black bean sauce. Cook for another minute until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Black Bean Sauce and Snow Peas?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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