Black Pepper Tofu (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Vegansita (2024)

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Black Pepper Tofu features tofu coated in a sweet and salty, sticky sauce with green onions and spicy peppers and is perfect served with rice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner! This delicious vegan stir-fry is made in under 30 minutes using everyday ingredients.

Black Pepper Tofu (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Vegansita (1)

For those of you who follow TSV, you know how much I love spicy food. And if you’re a lover of spiciness, this black pepper tofu will work well for you too!

I’ve simplified and made healthy the traditional black pepper tofu, which calls for 1 stick of butter and 3 types of soy sauce. Instead, we’ll be using a little oil and 1 type of soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free).

But not to worry my pepper lovers, this simple and healthy version is so flavorful that you won’t miss a thing!

What I love about this black pepper tofu recipe is that it’s pretty much foolproof and ready in under 30 minutes.

The only thing you may end up doing is adding too much pepper for your taste, those of you who are more sensitive should stick to using the lesser amounts called for and go up from there.

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Black Pepper Tofu Ingredients + Notes

In this recipe, I’ve tried taking into account all the different levels of eating habits, creating a version for almost everyone. You’ll find various ideas on most of the ingredient lines reflecting this.

  • Organic tofu– Super firm, extra firm or firm (tempeh would be great too)
  • Toasted sesame oil – Toasted sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand use your favorite oil.
  • Tamari – Tamari is great for those avoiding gluten. I’m not gluten intolerant, but it’s a staple in my pantry. Light soy sauce or coconut amino’s will work great too.
  • Pure maple syrup – Adds a nice sweetness to the sticky sauce.
  • Cornstarch – Used to make a slurry. I use and recommend this organic cornstarch(affiliate link). Substitute with arrowroot or tapioca flour.
  • Fresh cracked pepper– Adjust to taste.
  • Garlic – Fresh is best, or sub with 1 heaping teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Ginger– Use fresh minced or grated, or opt to use store bought ginger puree.
  • Scallions – Use the freshest green onions available.
  • Chili peppers – Use Thai chili peppers, jalapeno or serrano peppers. In place of fresh pepper, use 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  • Cilantro – Used when serving, it adds freshness to the dish. It’s especially nice with all the peppery flavor!

Feel free to change up any of the ingredients using the suggestions or make it your own using whatever ingredients you have on hand.

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How To Make Black Pepper Tofu

  • Prep the tofu by pressing and cubing.
  • Cut the scallions into 1 inch pieces.
  • Make the stir-fry slurry mixture.
  • Cook the tofu in a large wok or skillet.
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  • Pour in slurry mixture, ground pepper, garlic and ginger.
  • Stir fry 3 minutes, allowing the slurry to thicken.
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  • Add in hot peppers and scallions, and cook another 5 minutes or until the scallions are just softened.
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How To Store

  • Refrigerator: Leftover pepper tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 – 5 days, in a covered container.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding more tamari or splash of water for moisture if needed. Alternately, reheat in the microwave using 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

  • Grain: Serve with a grain such as brown rice, cilantro lime rice, brown rice and quinoa mix, basmati or jasmine rice. Soba noodles would be great too.
  • Fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro is nice too, adding to the flavors while giving a nice dose of freshness to offset the pepperiness. If you love cilantro, you will truly appreciate it here!
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More Easy Tofu Recipes!

  • Kung Pao Tofu
  • Grilled Baha Tofu Tacos + Red Cabbage Slaw
  • Teriyaki Tofu-Tempeh Casserole
  • Grilled Tofu Skewers + Pineapple-Teriyaki Sauce
  • See all tofu recipes on TSV!

If you try this vegan tofu recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

Print

BLACK PEPPER TOFU

Black Pepper Tofu (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Vegansita (8)

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

A healthy version of black pepper tofu without losing any flavor! Makes an easy weeknight meal served with rice that’s ready in 30 minutes.

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 3
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 1 block (14 – 16 oz.) organic tofu (super firm, extra firm or firm), cubed
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (sesame or grapeseed)
  • 1/4 cup tamari, soy sauce or coconut amino’s
  • 1/4 cup water or veggie broth
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (tapioca or arrowroot flour is fine too)
  • 12 tablespoons fresh cracked pepper
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 inch knob ginger, minced
  • 1 bunch scallions, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 12 chili’s peppers, sliced and seeds removed or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped, to serve

Instructions

Prep tofu: If not using one of the tofu’s mentioned above, you’ll want to drain and press your tofu to remove excess water. Simply cut tofu into slabs and place between paper towels or a clean dish cloth. With wrapped tofu laying on a flat surface, place a heavy book/object on top for about 15 minutes or so. Here’s a great tutorial from Olives for Dinner: How to press tofu perfectly in six steps.

Stir-fry sauce: In a small bowl, combine the tamari, water, sweetener and flour. This will be your slurry, ensuring your tofu will be coated nicely.

Cook tofu: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high. Add tofu and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until golden on all sides. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

Add remaining ingredients: Add in your slurry mixture, ground pepper, garlic and ginger. It will sizzle at first when adding the liquids. Stir fry another 3 minutes or so, add in hot peppers and scallions. Liquids should start to thicken a bit, cook another 5 minutes or until the scallions are just softened.

Serve: Pair with brown rice, brown rice/quinoa mix, basmati or jasmine rice. Soba noodles would be great too. Add a large handful of chopped cilantro on the side, it will add to the flavors while giving a nice dose of freshness to the pepperiness. If you love cilantro, you will truly appreciate it here!

Serves 3

Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days, in a covered container.

Notes

Add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste. You can also sub in mild chili peppers or sliced jalapeno peppers with the seeds removed.

Feel free to use 2- 3 tablespoons pure cane sugar, raw sugar or coconut sugar in place of the liquid sweetener.

Tempeh would be a nice change up from using tofu. It’s nutty flavor would be delicious with all the flavors.

Updated: This Black Pepper Tofu was originally published in March 2014. It has been retested and updated with new photos and helpful tips in January 2020.

FOLLOW TSVonFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest,orRSSfor more updates and inspiration!

Black Pepper Tofu (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Vegansita (2024)

FAQs

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

How is tofu made in India? ›

Soybeans are crushed and ground into a milk like substance to form tofu. This soy milk is used for making soya paneer in the similar manner. The best part about soya paneer or tofu is that it is totally vegan, perfect for all the Page 3 vegan people. This soya paneer is good for all the health-lovers.

What is the best way to eat tofu? ›

Tofu can be eaten raw, and so cooking it is completely optional and is mostly done for texture or to bind the sauce to the tofu. You can pan-sear the sides and add it to a colorful stir-fry or deep-fry it and coat it in a savory and sweet sauce.

How long does it take to make tofu? ›

I like to use a can of beans or tomatoes for about 30 minutes to yield a medium-firm block of tofu. You can add more weight and time for a firmer tofu, or less for a softer tofu. Once the tofu is done pressing, unwrap it from the cheesecloth and transfer it to a bowl of cold water.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

Baked, Not Fried.

My method for baking tofu produces tofu that's chewy, but it's cooked in the oven, making it much healthier.

What happens if you don't drain tofu before cooking? ›

This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture. It takes on a chewier, firmer texture, which makes it super satisfying to eat and less likely to fall apart.

What is black tofu made of? ›

Ingredients: Organic Black Soybeans, RO Water, Coriander Leaves, Black Salt, pepper, Shelf Life: 45 Days from the Manufacturing Date. Texture: Slightly Crumbly and totally melt in mouth. Very Moist.

Is tofu good or bad for you? ›

Nutritionally, tofu offers much to love. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, half a cup of firm tofu offers 21.8 grams of protein with 181 calories and 11 grams of fat. Most of that fat is of the healthy polyunsaturated kind. The high level of protein makes tofu a good alternative to animal-derived meat.

Why do Asians use tofu? ›

Much of tofu's early use in East Asia was as a vegetarian substitute for meat and fish by Buddhist monks, especially those following Zen Buddhism. The earliest Japanese document concerning tofu refers to the dish being served as an offering at the Kasuga Shrine in Nara in 1183.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What pairs well with tofu? ›

Try combining baked tofu with veggies and your favorite noodles plus a premade sauce or a few seasonings for flavor. Here are some ideas: Ramen noodles with frozen Asian vegetables and light soy, tamari, Thai peanut, or vegan tikka masala sauce.

Is tofu OK to eat every day? ›

While tofu is considered healthy and safe to eat regularly, Angelone stops short of saying that it should be consumed every day. This is because the vast majority of soy products in the U.S. are genetically modified, which may negatively impact long-term health.

Is tofu good for weight loss? ›

Low calorie density: Tofu is a low calorie food, with around 70-90 calories per 100 grams, making it a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. This is because foods with low calorie density help you feel full with fewer calories, which can help you consume fewer total calories throughout the day.

Is it OK to eat raw tofu? ›

Eat it raw: Tofu is completely safe to eat raw. Whether you press it or marinate it, you can use raw tofu in salads, smoothies, or have it as a protein-packed snack. Marinating: Since tofu has a bland flavor, marinating it is very popular.

Why do you soak tofu in water? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

How is tofu supposed to be cooked? ›

The most common methods for cooking extra-firm and firm tofu are pan-frying, stir-frying, baking, grilling, and scrambling it.
  1. Crispy Tofu (Without Deep Frying) Pan-frying is the easiest, least fussy way to cook up a batch of ultra-crispy cubes of tofu. ...
  2. Stir-Fried Tofu. ...
  3. Baked Tofu. ...
  4. Grilled Tofu. ...
  5. Scrambled Tofu.

How do you cook tofu and make it taste good? ›

Toss the cubes with olive oil, tamari or soy sauce, and sriracha. If desired, you could also add cornstarch to make the cubes extra crispy. Finally, bake! Transfer the baking sheet to a 425°F oven and cook until the cubes are browned around the edges.

Do I need to soak tofu before cooking? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

What should I marinate tofu in? ›

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

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