Let me start by saying, that you dont have to use tofu in this dish. It’s perfectly delicious without it.

Are you wrinkling your nose at the mere mention of the word tofu?  If you haven’t tried it, I hope that you give it a chance. It really has no real flavor by itself. Some people are weirded out by the consistency. I always go for the medium or soft kind. It’s not slimy or mushy. The consistency is kinda like biting into jello. Tofu is very good for you.  But aside from the healthy factor, there are so many things you can do with it. It absorbs any juices or flavorings of whatever you add it too. I grew up eating it. My mother would slice it up chilled, sprinkle it with grated fresh ginger and sprinkle it with soy sauce. M-mmmmm. You can get it at almost any Japanese restaurant, as a side dish.

I’ve used tofu in meatloaf, potstickers, meatballs, soups…so many things.  But I love it in stir fry dishes. This black bean sauce chicken dish goes great with the tofu. The tofu absorbs the sauce and it is delicious.

Trust me and don’t fear the tofu!! You will like it, I’m sure.

As for the black bean sauce. It’s a fermented, salty and tangy black bean sauce. It’s quite pungent and delicious with stir fry dishes. You can find this at any Asian market and even in your local grocery store. This is what makes this dish. It’s quite salty, but so tasty.

Asian Black Bean Chicken and Tofu

serves 3

4 chicken thighs, bone removed and cut in pieces
1/4 cup black bean sauce (there are several different brands, found in the Asian section of store)
1  Tblsp soy sauce
1  Tblsp chili paste
1  small onion, sliced
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms or other veggies
1 package of soft or medium Tofu. Drain the liquid. (I use the House Foods brand. Found in the produce section of grocery stores. Also available at all Asian markets.)

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken pieces, garlic and onion slices. Also add other veggies if you want. Toss around until the chicken is cooked through. Add the black bean sauce and the soy sauce. Toss and taste. If you feel it needs more black bean sauce, add a wee bit more.
Cut the tofu in large cubes and very gently stir it into the chicken mixture. Once everything is heated through, remove from heat and serve with rice.