Vegetarian Black Pepper Chicken

Savor the bold and irresistible flavors of Vegetarian Black Pepper Chicken, a plant-based twist on the beloved takeout classic. This recipe swaps chicken for crispy, golden tofu cubes, which are sautéed to perfection and coated in a savory black pepper sauce bursting with umami-rich soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Paired with crisp-tender bell peppers, red onions, and fragrant scallions, this dish delivers a satisfying medley of textures and tastes in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this vegetarian black pepper dish is a quick, wholesome dinner option that's perfect served over steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. Designed to please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike, it’s a must-try for fans of Asian-inspired cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz extra-firm tofu
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 whole bell pepper, sliced
• 1 whole red onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 stalks scallions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, add the tofu pieces and cornstarch. Toss until all pieces are well-coated.

Step 3

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook until they are golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell pepper and red onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir well for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vegetable broth, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.

Step 7

Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8

Stir in the chopped scallions and sesame oil into the skillet. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.

Step 9

Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of grains.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1099.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1510.0

Total Fat 91.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 31.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6156.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 97.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.8g	0%
Total Sugars 25.7g
Protein 84.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3302.4mg	0%
Iron 18.4mg	0%
Potassium 2380.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.2%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 25.0%