This simple Tofu Green Bean Stir Fry is easy to make, healthy, and delicious. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and doesn’t contain MSG like you’d get from many local takeout places. Have the takeout without the guilt!
I know you probably know the feeling of being so tired after a hard day that all you want to do is sit on the couch, watch a little indulgent TV, and order some takeout. I’ve been there, done it (more than I like to admit).
The problem is, after eating some of that takeout, I feel overly full and kind of gross with all the additives and extra sodium that is usually found in there. Ever feel like that too?
If you know what I’m talking about, I’ve got the perfect dish for you today – my Simple Tofu Green Bean Stir Fry.
Healthier than Takeout
The problem with takeout is that I’m never really sure what’s in the sauce or the type and amount of oil they use. When making a homemade version of one of my favorite takeout dishes, I can control exactly what I put in my sauce and how much oil I use.
Brown sauces from Chinese restaurants can contain sugar, MSG, lots of salt, beef/chicken broth, etc. I’m not down with all that stuff so I like to make my own using simple ingredients from my kitchen.
I do use some oil to fry up the tofu which I know some people might not be down with and I get it, I used to feel the same way – that oil was the enemy.
I’m using only 1 TB of healthy oil, and to me, that isn’t a problem. I get the crispiness and tastiness of frying without too many extra calories plus the heart-healthy benefits of extra virgin olive oil.
Simple Tofu Green Bean Stir Fry
I chose string beans because my local Chinese restaurant has a tasty dish I sometimes get with tofu and green beans. Now I can have takeout without feeling guilty.
If Chinese inspired tofu isn’t your thing, check out my Popcorn Tofu or my Tofu Feta – both are totally tasty as well!
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback and star rating.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green beans trimmed
- 14 oz organic firm or extra tofu in water drained and pressed (for at least 15 mins) and cut into cubes
- 1 TB extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 3 TB tamari or soy sauce if not gluten-free
- 1 TB maple syrup
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 TB cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Using a saute pan or pot with a steamer basket, steam green beans for 8-10 minutes, depending on how crisp you like them.*
- Meanwhile, add oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat and cook tofu on one side for 5 minutes.
- While the tofu is cooking, mix sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Flip tofu and cook for another 3-5 minutes until crispy.
- Add sauce to the tofu and stir continuously until it is thickened.
- Turn off heat, add cooked green beans, and stir until incorporated.
- Serve with some brown rice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who helps vegans find ways to make mealtimes easier (and healthier).
When she’s not creating new recipes for her blog, you can find Mary Ellen doting on her two shih tzus or exploring the world with her husband.
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
This looks delicious and far more nutritious than take out!
Mary Ellen says
Thank you Kari! I love takeout but this is so much healthier. 🙂
johanna @ green gourmet giraffe says
I need these sort of dishes right now – will have to give this a try – I like how you keep the beans looking green (another of my challenges)
Mary Ellen says
Johanna, to get them to stay green I steam them but leave a little “bite” to them. I think once they get a little to “done” is when I have the darker green beans.
Jennifer says
Pinned for when my CSA gets more Green Beans than I know what to do with!
Mary Ellen says
I need to get into a CSA! They sound so fun!
Sarah De la Cruz says
This looks so good! I think we’ll make it later this week. I love the green beans that are in season right now! It’s a good way to mix up our regular routine of tofu + rice + frozen broccoli!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Sarah! I hope you enjoy!
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
I adore simple stir fries and this one looks perfect. Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Christine!
Kate H. says
I made this tonight and it was pretty tasty, and very easy to get on the table. I did double the sauce, but thought the soy sauce was too much to begin with so only used 4 Tablespoons. I also used unsalted chicken broth. It was salty enough for me. Make sure you taste it before doubling the red pepper flakes too, a little goes a long way. And finally, I added a few chunks fresh pineapple and served it over unseasoned ramen noodles. From start to finish, it only took about twenty minutes to prepare. I will be using this again, it is a nice, healthy, easy recipe .
Mary Ellen says
Kate, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for leaving a comment and rating. 🙂
What a great idea to serve it with ramen noodles. I’ll have to try that soon!
kimmythevegan says
Hey girl! Long time no comment. I tried making this tonight and it was seriously dee-licious! Happy 4th =D
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Kimmy! So glad you liked it!
Nicole says
How would you recommend reheating this? I’ve made it in the past and it is SO GOOD that I want to make it for a potluck tonight, any recommendations for reheating? Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed it Nicole! Hmmm, I’m trying to think of the best way to reheat for a potluck. I have a few thoughts depending on how you will be reheating:
1. If you have an stove top available to reheat, that would probably be the best way to reheat. Just stir a little extra veggie broth in so things don’t stick too much.
2. If you have an oven available to reheat, that would probably be the second best way to reheat. You could have it kind of hot when you bring it to the potluck and then throw it in the oven to keep it warm. (I haven’t done this before but I would think it should be okay and keep the tofu more crispy than a microwave).
2. I’ve microwaved the leftovers at work. It was still tasty but the microwave kind of makes things a bit “limpy” so while the flavor was there it wasn’t as crispy. If all you have is a microwave it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world since the flavor will still be there.
3. I’d probably make a little extra sauce on the side to bring in case you need it no matter what way you’re reheating. Sometimes when reheating it’s not as “saucy”.
Let me know how it goes! I hope everyone enjoys!
Nicole says
Thank you! Will let you know!! 🙂
Sylvia says
Absolutely delicious and easy to make!
Mary Ellen says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Sylvia! 🙂
Jackie Wolek says
I’ve been trying different tofu dishes. This is my favorite by far! Making it again tonight. And under 200 calories a serving! Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Hi Jackie! I’m so glad you are enjoying it Jackie! It’s been my favorite tofu dish lately too!
Lynn says
Love this recipe, it is so good, healthy and easy to make.
Looking forward to trying more of your recipes. Thank you for sharing!
Mary Ellen says
I’m so glad you enjoyed, Lynn! That makes me so happy! Thanks so much for the rating!
SARAH DOSS says
This wonderful recipe has become a regular meal for us – it is so easy and tasty and has plenty of protein for us vegans. Sometimes I use all green beans, sometimes half green beans and half asparagus, and sometimes asparagus only. Each is delicious!
Mary Ellen says
Sarah, I’m so happy to hear you enjoy this recipe! Such a great idea to switch things up with the different veggies! I need to try asparagus in there!
Isabella says
Can you use canned green beans
Mary Ellen says
Hi Isabella, yes you can use canned or frozen green beans if you’d like. For the canned green beans, I wouldn’t steam them since they’re already cooked. You can add them with the sauce after tofu is cooked just to heat them through. I hope you enjoy!
robe says
may i know what type of tofu it was used for this?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Robe, I usually use Nasoya Organic Extra Firm Tofu but any extra firm tofu in water would work. I hope you enjoy!
Melanie says
Made this tonight and it was excellent! thank you for the recipe!
Mary Ellen says
So happy you enjoyed it, Melanie! 🙂
Nicole says
Is there a way to substitute corn starch? Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Hi Nicole! You can substitute arrowroot powder (I do that often).
Mary says
i added mushrooms, onions, red pepper & sesame seeds with hoisin sauce on top of rice. Love it
Mary Ellen says
So happy you enjoyed it, Mary! The additions sound delicious!
NaC says
Just made this and it’s absolutely delicious. I did double the sauce and put less cornstarch then called for. Thank you for sharing this. Will make it again!!
Mary Ellen says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment and rating!