Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas

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

Silken tofu cubes stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers and snow peas in a bold, spicy Sichuan sauce bursting with garlic and chili. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs snow peas, trimmed, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges turn golden and slightly crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup trimmed snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the wok and pour the sauce mixture over all. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

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 snow peas, trimmed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

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 with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas 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 with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas 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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