Authentic Szechuan Peanut Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery Szechuan classic with tender vegetables, peanuts, and a numbing peppercorn sauce. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli, carrots, peanuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok over high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, stir-frying for 1 minute until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup julienned carrots and 1 head broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp chili flakes. Stir to coat the vegetables, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1/2 cup peanuts and 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the peanuts are toasted and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Szechuan Peanut Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Szechuan Peanut Stir-Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep broccoli from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Szechuan Peanut Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Szechuan Peanut Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Szechuan Peanut Stir-Fry?

Chinese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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