This delightful stir-fried firm tofu with black bean sauce is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the rich umami of black bean sauce with the fresh crunch of bell peppers and onions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
If you don't usually cook with black bean sauce, you might need to pick it up at the supermarket. This savory and slightly salty sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines and can usually be found in the international foods aisle. Make sure to also grab some firm tofu, which holds up well during stir-frying.

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Firm Tofu with Black Bean Sauce
Firm tofu: This type of tofu is dense and holds its shape well during cooking, making it perfect for stir-frying.
Black bean sauce: A savory, salty sauce made from fermented black beans, adding depth and umami to the dish.
Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that enhances the flavor of the tofu and vegetables.
Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying, it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
Bell peppers: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the stir-fry.
Onions: Adds a sweet and slightly sharp flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When stir-frying tofu, ensure it is well-pressed to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a golden-brown crust and prevents it from crumbling. Use a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth to press the tofu for at least 15 minutes before cutting it into cubes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a great alternative to tofu.
black bean sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce provides a similar savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami taste.
vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements stir-fried dishes.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder but still aromatic flavor similar to garlic.
bell peppers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can add a different but pleasant flavor to the dish.
onions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder onion flavor and can be used similarly in stir-fries.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the stir-fried tofu to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled tofu and vegetables into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain freshness.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.
- For longer storage, place the cooled stir-fried tofu in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. Frozen stir-fried tofu can last up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen tofu in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the dish in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil or soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave. Place the tofu in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vegetable oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the leftover stir-fried tofu.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
- If the dish seems dry, add a tablespoon of water or soy sauce to rehydrate.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover tofu in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover stir-fry in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the leftover tofu in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- This method helps retain the moisture and keeps the tofu tender.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover stir-fry in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- This method can give the tofu a slightly crispy texture while keeping the vegetables tender.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel essential for stir-frying, allowing for even heat distribution and quick cooking.
Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok without breaking them apart.
Knife: A sharp tool for cutting tofu, bell peppers, and onions into the desired sizes.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare all the ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Tools for accurately measuring the black bean sauce, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
Garlic press: A tool to easily mince the garlic cloves.
Mixing bowl: A bowl to hold and mix the tofu cubes with any seasoning before cooking.
Serving dish: A plate or bowl to serve the finished stir-fried tofu with black bean sauce.
Rice cooker: An optional tool if you choose to serve the dish with rice, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time.
Tongs: Useful for turning the tofu cubes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop tofu, bell peppers, and onions ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.
Heat the wok properly: Ensure the wok is hot before adding vegetable oil to reduce cooking time.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
Use a non-stick wok: A non-stick wok can make the stir-frying process faster and easier to clean up.

Stir-fried Firm Tofu with Black Bean Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 400 g Firm Tofu cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoon Black Bean Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Bell Peppers sliced
- 1 cup Onions sliced
Instructions
- Heat the wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add tofu cubes and stir-fry until golden brown.
- Add bell peppers and onions, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add black bean sauce and soy sauce, mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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