Asparagus and Tofu with Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Asparagus and Tofu With Black Bean Sauce is a flavorful and vibrant stir-fry that’s quick to make and perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal. The fermented black soy bean sauce adds a deep, savory umami that pairs beautifully with crisp asparagus and soft baked tofu.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fermented black soy beans (see Tip)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (to your liking)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 pound asparagus, woody ends removed, stalks cut into 2-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 2 (7- to 8-ounce) packages baked tofu, sliced into 2-inch-long pieces
• Toasted white sesame seeds, for serving
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Cooked rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the black soy beans into a colander and give them a quick rinse. Transfer them to a small bowl and, using the back of a fork, mash them into a rough, chunky paste. Add the Shaoxing wine, garlic, crushed red pepper, soy sauce, and sugar; stir to combine.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Drizzle with canola oil and add the toasted sesame oil and asparagus. Season lightly with salt and pepper and toss until the asparagus are bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the black bean sauce and tofu to the skillet and toss until the tofu is warmed through and the mixture is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Step 4: Transfer to a serving plate and top with toasted white sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. Serve warm with cooked rice.

Tips & Variations

• If you can’t find fermented black soy beans, substitute with fermented black beans (douchi) available at Asian markets.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the heat to your preference.
• Try adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. To maintain crispness, avoid overcooking during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh black beans instead of fermented black soy beans?

Fermented black soy beans have a distinct savory flavor that fresh black beans don’t provide. For best results, use fermented black soy beans or a similar fermented black bean product.

Is baked tofu necessary or can I use regular tofu?

You can use regular firm or extra-firm tofu if baked tofu isn’t available. Press and drain the tofu well before slicing to prevent excess moisture during cooking.

Asparagus and Tofu with Black Bean Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

A flavorful and vibrant stir-fry dish combining crisp asparagus and baked tofu in a savory black bean sauce, enhanced with garlic, Shaoxing wine, and toasted sesame oil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal served alongside steamed rice.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Black Bean Sauce

• 1/4 cup fermented black soy beans
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (to your liking)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 pound asparagus, woody ends removed and stalks cut into 2-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 (7- to 8-ounce) packages baked tofu, sliced into 2-inch-long pieces

To Garnish and Serve

• Toasted white sesame seeds, for serving
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Cooked rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Prepare the Black Bean Sauce: Rinse the fermented black soy beans quickly in a colander, then transfer to a small bowl. Using the back of a fork, mash them into a rough, chunky paste. Add Shaoxing wine, garlic, crushed red pepper, soy sauce, and sugar; stir well to combine the sauce ingredients.
2. Cook the Asparagus: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Drizzle in the canola or vegetable oil followed by the toasted sesame oil. Add the asparagus pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss frequently until the asparagus are bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Sauce and Tofu: Add the black bean sauce mixture to the skillet along with the sliced baked tofu. Toss gently to combine and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the tofu is warmed through and the mixture becomes highly fragrant. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
4. Serve: Transfer the asparagus and tofu mixture to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. Serve hot alongside cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Fermented black soy beans add a deep umami flavor but can be substituted with fermented black beans if unavailable.
• Shaoxing wine can be replaced with dry sherry or a mild cooking wine for similar flavor.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level.
• Use baked tofu which holds its shape well during cooking for the best texture.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce used is gluten-free.
• Adding a splash of water during cooking can help prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.

Keywords: asparagus tofu stir-fry, black bean sauce tofu, vegetarian Chinese recipes, healthy tofu recipes, quick asparagus recipes