Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Crispy Peanuts

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

A fiery Sichuan-inspired stir fry featuring tender tofu cubes, crunchy peanuts, and a bold chili-garlic sauce that wakes up your taste buds. This Asian fusion recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, peanut oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
• 2 tbsp peanut oil
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp, minced ginger
• 1 tsp, toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns
• 6 whole, broken in half dried red chilies
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup, roughly chopped roasted peanuts
• 2, sliced thin on the bias green onions
• 1 tsp sesame oil

The wok we’d stir-fry this in → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tsp toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns, and 6 broken dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
3. Step 3: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl to create the sauce. Pour this sauce into the skillet and cook, stirring, until it thickens and coats the pan, about 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Add 1/3 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts and 2 sliced green onions, stirring for another minute.
5. Step 5: Finish with 1 tsp sesame oil for aroma and stir once more before serving immediately.