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

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-07 · Updated 2026-06-07

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic and spicy chili, tossed in a rich black bean sauce for a savory, satisfying vegetarian dish. This Chinese-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Ingredients

• 14 oz block, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 small, thinly sliced fresh red chili
• 2 tbsp, rinsed and mashed fermented black beans
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 stalks sliced on bias green onions
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp dissolved in 1 tbsp water cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 small thinly sliced fresh red chili to the wok, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon.
5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the wok and toss gently with 2 sliced green onions to coat tofu evenly in sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through and serve immediately with steamed rice.