Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu stir-fried with crisp vegetables in a bold, spicy black bean sauce for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This chinese-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 3 tbsp black bean garlic sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Return tofu to the skillet, toss gently to coat in the sauce, and cook for 1 more minute.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables?

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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables?

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 Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables?

Chinese sandwiches & wraps 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.

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