Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Savory Black Bean Sauce
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a rich black bean garlic sauce. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, broccoli florets, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed, cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 3 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and is just tender.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp mashed fermented black beans to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp cornstarch until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
- Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Savory Black Bean Sauce 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 Garlic and Broccoli in Savory Black Bean Sauce?
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 Garlic and Broccoli in Savory Black Bean 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 Garlic and Broccoli in Savory Black Bean Sauce 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 Garlic and Broccoli in Savory Black Bean 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.
