Stir-Fried Tofu with Fermented Black Beans and Bamboo Shoots

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp tofu cubes simmered in a savory fermented bean sauce with fresh bamboo shoots and ginger for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs firm tofu, fermented black beans, bamboo shoots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tsp vegetable oil.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu until golden and crisp on all sides (5-6 minutes), then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining oil to skillet. Sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and fermented black beans for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add doubanjiang and stir for 30 seconds. Add bamboo shoots and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and water. Return tofu to skillet and simmer for 4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu.
  6. Step 6: Add remaining cornstarch slurry (mixed with 1 tbsp water) to thicken sauce to a glossy consistency.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Fermented Black Beans and Bamboo Shoots take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Fermented Black Beans and Bamboo Shoots?

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 Fermented Black Beans and Bamboo Shoots?

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 Fermented Black Beans and Bamboo Shoots 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 Fermented Black Beans and Bamboo Shoots 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes