Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with pungent black bean sauce, fresh garlic, and red chili for a savory and spicy vegetarian dish. This chinese-inspired thai ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, fermented black beans, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 250 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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 or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Gently flip the tofu cubes and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fermented black beans, and 1 thinly sliced red chili to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and drizzle 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sugar over everything. Toss gently to coat the tofu with the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean 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 Garlic and Chili in Black Bean 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 Garlic and Chili in 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 Chili in Black Bean 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce?

Chinese thai like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes