Vegan Black Pepper Tofu

ByHannah Peterson

Vegan Black Pepper Tofu — Bold, Spicy & Unbelievably Good! 🍛

This Vegan Black Pepper Tofu is one of those dishes that’s so flavorful, you’ll be amazed it’s entirely plant-based. Crispy tofu cubes are coated in a rich, peppery sauce — packed with garlic, ginger, soy, and just the right amount of heat. Every bite is sweet, savory, and spicy in perfect balance.

It’s a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home — and the best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes!

🌿 Ingredients

For the tofu:

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil (for frying)

For the sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for depth, optional)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
  • ½ tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (for slurry)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the tofu:
Pat tofu dry and toss with soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated.

2️⃣ Pan-fry:
Heat oil in a skillet and fry tofu cubes on all sides until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the sauce:
In the same pan, add a little oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

4️⃣ Thicken:
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens and gets glossy.

5️⃣ Combine:
Add the tofu back to the pan and toss well to coat each piece in that rich, peppery sauce.

6️⃣ Garnish & serve:
Top with fresh green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

💡 Tips

🔥 Use freshly cracked black pepper for that bold punch.
🥦 Add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
🥢 Serve with jasmine rice or noodles to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce.

✨ This Vegan Black Pepper Tofu is the perfect mix of crispy, saucy, and spicy — the kind of meal that turns tofu skeptics into true believers! 🌱

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