One-Pan Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir Fry

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

A vibrant and spicy stir fry featuring crispy tofu and crunchy vegetables coated in a bold Szechuan sauce. This chinese-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 2 cups broccoli florets; stir fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp Szechuan chili paste, 2 tsp honey, and 1/4 cup water.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 One-Pan Spicy Szechuan Tofu 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Spicy Szechuan Tofu 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 One-Pan Spicy Szechuan Tofu 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.

Is One-Pan Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir Fry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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