Experience a vibrant fusion of flavors in this Easy Vegan Black Pepper Tofu & Green Beans stir fry. Crispy tofu, fresh green beans, garlic, and ginger create a mix of textures and aromas. Perfect for fans of Skillet Tofu Recipes and Tofu Green Beans, this dish offers a healthy and satisfying punch.

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Why I Like this Recipe

I’ve been making this easy vegan black pepper tofu and green beans recipe a lot lately and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. It’s super simple and only uses 9 ingredients, but it still manages to pack a ton of flavor. When i made it the other day i realized how versatile and satisfying it is, and i love that i can tweak it each time i make it.

Here are a few reasons why i really like this recipe:

1. I love how fast and easy it is to prep and cook. Even if i’m in a rush, i know it’s a meal that will be ready in no time.
2. The crispy tofu paired with crunchy green beans gives it a great texture contrast that i just can’t get enough of.
3. It tastes amazing yet is healthy and gluten free, which makes me feel good about what i’m eating.
4. The blend of garlic, ginger, and black pepper creates an explosion of flavors that keep me coming back for more.

Ingredients

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Tofu: protein-packed firm cubes that soak up flavors and add a hearty bite.
Green Beans: crunchy, fiber-rich veggies loaded with vitamins, making the dish fresher.
Garlic: gives a warm, aromatic kick and supports overall wellbeing.
Ginger: provides a zesty, spicy lift that balances the savory notes nicely.
Black Pepper: adds a lively heat and robust flavor throughout the dish.
Soy Sauce: brings a salty, umami depth that enhances every ingredient.
Rice Vinegar: offers a subtle sour touch to brighten the overall taste.
Cornstarch: acts as a simple thickener, ensuring a perfect sauce consistency.
Vegetable Oil: essential for crisping and cooking, it yields a beautifully fried texture.

Ingredient Quantities

14 oz extra firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes

1 lb green beans, trimmed and washed

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 inch piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or more if u like it spicy)

2 tbsp gluten free soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make this

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1. Start off by pressing the tofu to get out as much liquid as you can, then cut it into even cubes and toss them with the 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until they’re well coated.

2. Heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the tofu cubes until they become nice and crispy on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove the tofu and set it aside.

3. In the same pan, add the 1 lb of trimmed green beans and stir fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they start to get tender but still keep a little crunch.

4. Toss in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and the finely chopped 1 inch piece of fresh ginger. Stir them with the green beans for about 1 minute until you can really smell the aroma.

5. Put the cooked tofu back into the pan with the green beans, and then pour in the 2 tablespoons of gluten free soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.

6. Sprinkle the 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the tofu and green beans, stirring everything together so that the flavors mix well.

7. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the sauce heat through and coat the tofu and beans nicely.

8. Give it a taste and if u think it needs more pepper, feel free to add some more.

9. Serve your Black Pepper Tofu & Green Beans hot, and enjoy this easy, tasty vegan meal with your fave side dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Tofu press or heavy weight and a cutting board – For pressing and cubing the tofu and trimming the green beans
2. Knife – To cut the tofu, garlic, ginger, and green beans
3. Mixing bowl – For tossing the tofu with cornstarch
4. Large frying pan – For frying the tofu and stir frying the green beans
5. Measuring spoons – For the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and black pepper
6. Spatula – To flip and stir the ingredients while cooking
7. Plate or serving dish – To serve the finished dish

FAQ

Q: How do i properly press tofu? A: Well, you gotta make sure the extra firm tofu is pressed long enough to get rid of the extra water. I usually press it for about 15-20 minutes before cutting it into cubes. That step is pretty important for crispiness.

Q: Can i marinate the tofu before cooking? A: You could marinate it if you want more flavor, but this recipe already packs a punch from the black pepper and garlic. Just make sure to coat it lightly with cornstarch for a nice crispy finish.

Q: What if i dont have fresh ginger? A: If you dont have fresh ginger, you could use a small pinch of dried ginger. It won’t give you the same kick, but it'll still work in a pinch.

Q: How spicy is this dish really? A: The recipe uses 1/2 tsp of freshly ground black pepper which gives a nice, moderate spice. Feel free to add a little more if you like it extra spicy.

Q: Can i swap green beans for another veggie? A: Sure, you can totally replace green beans with broccoli or snap peas. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, cuz different veggies might need a bit more or less time to cook.

Black Pepper Tofu & Green Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t get extra firm tofu, you could try using tempeh or even seitan as a meatier alternative.
If green beans aren’t on hand, broccoli florets or snap peas work pretty well as substitutes.
Out of fresh ginger, you can use a pinch of ground ginger powder. Keep in mind that its flavor is more concentrated.
Instead of gluten free soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos are good options if you’re looking for similar salty umami flavors.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you press the tofu really well – if it has extra water, it won’t get as crispy when frying. Also try not to overcrowd the pan; cook the tofu in batches so it fries evenly rather than steaming.
2. When adding the garlic and ginger, keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. They cook super fast and burnt garlic can make the dish taste bitter.
3. For the green beans, if you like them extra crisp and vibrant in color, try blanching them in boiling water for just a minute or two before stir frying.
4. If you’re up for a little twist, drizzle a very small amount of sesame oil at the very end of cooking. It gives a nutty flavor that really complements the tofu.