Tofu with Black Bean Sauce
Crispy pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a bold, savory black bean sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. A popular Indo-Chinese stir-fry that's quick to make and bursting with umami flavor.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Coat the Tofu
- b.Cut the well-pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- c.In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- d.Add the tofu cubes and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow-Fry the Tofu
- b.Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- d.Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning the cubes every couple of minutes, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the tofu and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil if needed.
- c.Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build the Black Bean Sauce
- b.Add the rinsed and crushed fermented black beans to the wok. Stir-fry for 1 minute to release their pungent, savory aroma.
- c.Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and vegetable broth. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- d.Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Thicken the Sauce and Combine
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry with no lumps.
- c.While stirring the sauce, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to stir for about 1 minute as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- d.Gently return the fried tofu to the wok. Toss carefully to coat all the tofu pieces with the thickened sauce.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the dish and give it one final toss.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- d.Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pressing the tofu is the most important step for a crispy texture. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels, place it on a plate, and put a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.
- 2For an even crispier coating, you can double-fry the tofu. Fry once, let it cool slightly, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 3Always rinse fermented black beans before using them, as they are packed in salt and can be overwhelmingly salty otherwise.
- 4Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process, and you won't have time to chop once you begin.
- 5Adjust the sauce to your liking before adding the tofu. You can add a pinch more sugar for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for tang.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Variation
Substitute tofu with 400g of paneer cubes or boneless chicken pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Add other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or baby corn along with the onions and peppers.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes or a dash of chili oil along with the aromatics for extra heat.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function.
Supports Heart Health
The soy isoflavones in tofu may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This dish is also low in saturated fat, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Packed with Vitamins
Bell peppers (capsicum) and onions are excellent sources of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system and protect cells from damage.
Promotes Bone Strength
Tofu is a good source of calcium and manganese, two minerals that are essential for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a very healthy dish. It's rich in plant-based protein from tofu and vitamins from the vegetables. To make it even healthier, you can air-fry the tofu or pan-fry with minimal oil.