Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry

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

Firm tofu stir-fried with bold Sichuan chili paste, garlic, and fresh vegetables for a vibrant plant-based meal with a spicy kick. This chinese-inspired vegan ready in about 30 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 350 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes gently with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes without stirring until golden and crispy on one side. Flip and cook another 4 minutes until all sides are golden; remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp rice vinegar, then add 1 sliced green bell pepper and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the wok, drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss everything together for 1 minute to coat evenly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 3 sliced scallions, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Style Spicy 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 Sichuan-Style Spicy 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 Sichuan-Style Spicy 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 Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry vegan?

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

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