Black Pepper Tofu and Asparagus Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Mar 8th 2025 by Chigoziri Nwachuku
Clock icon Last updated: Mar 8th 2025
Read time: 3 mins
Cuisine:
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Black Pepper Tofu and Asparagus on a plate

Need a great alternative to Chinese takeout? You'll love our Black Pepper Tofu and Asparagus. It's fast, easy, and tastes amazing!

We coated the tofu with cornstarch, so it gets nice and crunchy. And we used a homemade stir-fry sauce made with tamari, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to add umami, sweetness, and heat to the dish. We also added sesame seeds as a garnish and to add texture.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also good for you too. It is packed with plant-based protein, as well as fiber, and is an excellent source of calcium and iron. Serve with a nice cup of Lemongrass Tea.

What is best to eat with tofu?

Tofu is best eaten with rice, pasta, and vegetables.

What spices go with tofu?

Spices that go well with tofu include turmeric, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Is tofu and paneer same?

No they aren't. Paneer is made from milk, while tofu is made from soybeans.

Can you boil tofu?

Yes, you can boil tofu to prepare it.

Rate
Average: 5 (2 votes)
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Click to avoid screen dimming during cooking.

Time & Serves

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
14 mins
Total Time
29 mins
Serves
4 persons.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce) package firm Tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch

  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided

  • 1 pound Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced

  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh Ginger, minced

  • 1/8 cup Tamari

  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup

  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

  • 1 teaspoon Unseasoned Rice Vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon White Sesame Seeds for garnish

Instructions

To a medium bowl, add tofu, cornstarch, and kosher salt, tossing lightly to coat.

Bowl of tofu coated with cornstarch and kosher salt

To a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add tofu in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a plate.

Tofu and olive oil in a skillet

To the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the asparagus and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Asparagus, garlic and ginger in a skillet

To a small bowl, add tamari, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Tamari sauce mixture in a bowl

Add the tofu back to the skillet and toss with the asparagus to combine. Add the sauce, tossing the tofu and asparagus in the sauce. Turn occasionally for about 3 minutes until the sauce gets a bit thick.

Tofu, asparagus and tamari sauce in a skillet

Remove the skillet from the heat, and add the unseasoned rice vinegar.

Unseasoned rice vinegar being added to asparagus-tofu mixture in skillet

Transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with sesame seeds.

Black Pepper Tofu and Asparagus - final product
Chigoziri Nwachuku
Author:
Nutritional Recipe Writer

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