Crispy Tofu in Black Pepper Sauce
Crispy pan-seared tofu cubes tossed in a glossy, sweet, and fiery garlic black pepper sauce.
An incredibly flavorful, spicy vegan stir-fry. Extra-firm tofu is coated in cornstarch, fried until crunchy, and tossed in a thick, savory sauce packed with freshly crushed black peppercorns, garlic, soy sauce, and sweet maple syrup.
Key Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Large Non-Stick Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Whisk
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
- Pat Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Always pat proteins (like chicken, fish, or tofu) completely dry with paper towels before placing them in the hot pan.
Ingredients
3
servings
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14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1.5 tbsp black pepper, freshly crushed
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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3 whole green onions, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Coat and Sear Tofu
Toss the pressed tofu cubes in cornstarch until fully coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan.
Make Black Pepper Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, a splash of water, and a generous 1.5 tablespoons of freshly crushed black pepper.
Toss and Glaze
Pour the sauce into the skillet over medium heat. Let bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes. Return the crispy tofu to the pan, add sliced green onions, and toss quickly to coat in the glaze. Serve hot over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes! You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.
Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.