Asparagus and Tofu with Black Bean Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
