Print

Flavorful Black Pepper Tofu Steaks

black pepper tofu steaks - featured image

Crispy tofu steaks coated in a sticky, spicy black pepper sauce, served with fluffy rice and colorful veggies. A vegan-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced into thick steaks
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegan version if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced or julienned
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture using a tofu press or a clean kitchen towel with a heavy object on top. Let it press for at least 20 minutes.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger to prepare the sauce. Set aside.
  3. Slice the pressed tofu into thick steaks, approximately ½ inch thick.
  4. Lightly coat each piece of tofu with cornstarch to create a crispy exterior.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the tofu steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, sauté sliced carrots and bell peppers for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Stir well to coat the veggies.
  8. Return the tofu steaks to the pan and gently toss them in the sauce until fully coated and heated through.
  9. Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
  10. Serve the tofu steaks over a bed of rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

[‘Pressing tofu is essential for achieving a crispy texture.’, ‘Grind black pepper fresh for bold flavor.’, ‘Cook tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.’, ‘Add red chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra spice.’, ‘Prep veggies and sauce ahead of time for quicker cooking.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Pepper Tofu, Vegan Dinner, Plant-Based Recipe, Tofu Steaks, Easy Weeknight Meal, Vegan Asian Recipe