Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Cashews
A vibrant stir fry combining silky tofu with crunchy cashews and a spicy Sichuan sauce that balances heat and umami. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/3 cup cashews, toasted
- 2 green onions, sliced
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 2: Push tofu to one side of the skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the empty side and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Mix everything gently to coat the tofu and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/3 cup toasted cashews and sprinkle 2 sliced green onions over the top before serving with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Cashews 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 Cashews?
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, pressed and cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Cashews?
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 Cashews 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 Cashews 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.
