Imagine a dish that combines the crisp snap of fresh string beans, the silky smoothness of perfectly golden tofu, and the rich, umami punch of black bean sauce—all ready in just 25 minutes! This Chinese-inspired stir fry is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb string beans
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tbsp black bean sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing string beans and trimming off the ends. Cut beans into 2-inch segments.
- Drain tofu block and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 1/2-inch uniform cubes, ensuring they are not too large to ensure even cooking.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic and stir quickly for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn, which will create a bitter taste.
- Carefully add tofu cubes to the hot oil, allowing them to develop a light golden crust on each side. Gently turn cubes to ensure even browning, approximately 3-4 minutes total.
- Add string beans to the wok, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Pour black bean sauce and soy sauce over the beans and tofu, tossing thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Continue stir-frying for 5-7 minutes until beans are crisp-tender and have a slight char, but remain bright green.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving a final toss to distribute seasoning evenly.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, ensuring tofu and beans are well-mixed.
Tips
- Tofu Technique: Always pat your tofu dry before frying to achieve that coveted golden crust. Moisture is the enemy of crispy tofu!
- Wok or Skillet Heat: Ensure your cooking surface is hot but not smoking. The right temperature is key to quick, even cooking and that perfect char.
- Quick Movements: Stir frying is all about speed and constant movement. Keep ingredients moving to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Bean Brilliance: Choose fresh, vibrant green string beans and trim them carefully for the best texture and appearance.
- Sauce Balance: Taste and adjust your black bean and soy sauce ratio to suit your preference. Some like it bolder, some more subtle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
