Sichuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Doubanjiang and Ground Pork

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

A traditional Sichuan dish featuring silken tofu in a numbing, savory sauce with fermented bean paste and aromatic spices. The ground pork adds luxurious depth to every bite. This asian ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, ground pork, doubanjiang for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu cubes between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then pan-fry in 1 tbsp cooking oil over medium-high heat until golden on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side), then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 6 oz ground pork and stir-fry until browned (about 3 minutes), then add 2 tbsp doubanjiang, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1/2 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water; bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add the fried tofu cubes and 1 tbsp chili oil, gently tossing to coat; cook for 2 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp green onions and 1 tsp sesame oil, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Doubanjiang and Ground Pork take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Doubanjiang and Ground Pork?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Doubanjiang and Ground Pork?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Doubanjiang and Ground Pork 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.

What goes well with Sichuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Doubanjiang and Ground Pork?

Asian 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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