Sichuan Peppercorn Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans

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

Silky tofu and crisp green beans simmered in a numbing, aromatic Sichuan pepper sauce for a vibrant vegetarian meal. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, green beans, Sichuan peppercorns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then discard peppercorns.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-fry for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  5. Step 5: Add tofu cubes and stir-fry for 2 minutes until golden.
  6. Step 6: Pour in the sauce mixture and cook for 2 minutes until thickened and coating ingredients. Stir in 2 sliced scallions.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan Peppercorn Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans 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 Sichuan Peppercorn Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans?

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 Sichuan Peppercorn Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans?

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 Sichuan Peppercorn Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sichuan Peppercorn Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans 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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