Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Spicy Black Bean Sauce
Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with fragrant garlic and a bold spicy black bean sauce for a savory punch. This Chinese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, black bean sauce 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 firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp black bean sauce
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Step 2: Add tofu cubes and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp black bean sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until the sauce bubbles.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the wok and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 2 chopped green onions over the top before removing from heat and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Spicy Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.
Is Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Spicy 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.
