If you’re craving a savory and slightly spicy dish that’s both quick and nutritious, this Black Pepper Tofu and Green Beans recipe is perfect. It’s a plant-based take on a popular Asian-inspired stir-fry, with the tofu absorbing the bold flavors of freshly ground black pepper and soy sauce. Paired with crisp green beans and served over rice, it’s a well-rounded meal that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Best of all, it uses fewer than 10 ingredients, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without much effort.
Key Ingredients
- Firm Tofu: The star of the dish, tofu soaks up the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Pressing it helps remove excess moisture, allowing for a crispier texture when cooked. If you prefer extra crispiness, tossing the tofu in cornstarch before cooking gives it that perfect golden crust.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a bright, crunchy contrast to the tofu. They’re lightly sautéed, maintaining their crisp-tender bite, and offering a burst of color and nutrients to the dish.
- Black Pepper: This is the flavor powerhouse of the recipe. Freshly ground black pepper provides a bold, warming spice that elevates the tofu and green beans, giving the dish its signature kick.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free): This salty, umami-rich sauce ties the whole dish together, enhancing the flavors of both the tofu and the green beans.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup balances out the savory elements and adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the peppery flavors.
How to Make
- Prepare the Tofu:
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into small cubes. For a crispier texture, toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch before cooking.
- Cook the Tofu:
Heat olive oil (or water for an oil-free option) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until they’re golden and crispy on all sides – when done set aside.
- Sauté the Green Beans:
In the same pan, add fresh green beans until they begin to soften but still retain a slight crunch. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant.
- Combine and Flavor:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and maple syrup. Return the tofu to the pan with the green beans, pour the sauce over everything, and toss to coat well. Let the flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
- Serve:
Serve the black pepper tofu and green beans over a bed of steamed rice. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra black pepper or garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Origins
The inspiration for this Black Pepper Tofu and Green Beans dish draws from classic Asian stir-fry flavors, particularly from Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines, where black pepper plays a key role in seasoning. In many Asian dishes, black pepper is often used to create a distinctive heat that is different from chili-based spiciness. The combination of tofu, a staple in many Asian diets, and stir-fried green beans, is common in both home-cooked and restaurant meals across various Asian cultures. This vegan version uses wholesome plant-based ingredients while preserving the bold flavors that make black pepper dishes so beloved. It’s a simple, yet satisfying dish that showcases the beauty of balancing spice, sweetness, and texture.
Black Pepper Tofu and Green Beans
Ingredients
- 14 oz block firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
- 2 cups fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sub with water for oil-free)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for crispier tofu)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 4 cups cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. For extra crispiness, toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch.
- Cook the Tofu: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat (or use water for an oil-free option). Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Green Beans: In the same pan, add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and maple syrup. Return the cooked tofu to the pan with the green beans, and pour the sauce over everything. Toss well to coat the tofu and green beans in the sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the black pepper tofu and green beans over a bed of cooked rice. For extra flavor, sprinkle with additional black pepper or garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
