Stir-Fried Tofu with Chinese Black Bean and Garlic Sauce

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

A savory vegetarian stir-fry featuring firm tofu and fermented black beans, sautéed with garlic for a rich umami flavor. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, fermented black beans, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 300 grams firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Rinse 2 tablespoons fermented black beans under cold water, then roughly chop them.
  3. Step 3: Mince 4 garlic cloves and slice 2 scallions into 1-inch lengths.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and chopped fermented black beans to the wok, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 3 tablespoons water. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  7. Step 7: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry, then pour into the wok and stir until sauce thickens and coats the black bean mixture.
  8. Step 8: Return the tofu to the wok, toss gently with the sauce and scallions, cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Chinese Black Bean and Garlic Sauce 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 Chinese Black Bean and Garlic 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 Chinese Black Bean and Garlic 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 Chinese Black Bean and Garlic 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 Chinese Black Bean and Garlic Sauce 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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