Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-12 · Updated 2026-05-12

Silky tofu stir-fried with bold Sichuan peppercorns, fresh garlic, and dried chili flakes for a fiery and authentic Chinese vegetarian dish. This Chinese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs vegetable oil, Sichuan peppercorns, lightly crushed, dried red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, lightly crushed
• 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tsp lightly crushed Sichuan peppercorns and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
3. Step 3: Gently add 14 oz firm tofu cubes to the skillet, stirring carefully to coat with the spices. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until edges are lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp rice vinegar, cooking an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the tofu, and garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving immediately with steamed rice.