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

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

Bold and fiery Sichuan-inspired tofu stir-fry with crisp bell peppers and a savory garlic-chili sauce that delivers mouthwatering heat. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 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 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.

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: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then stir-fry 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tsp toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns, and 6 chopped dried red chilies for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the wok, pour the sauce mixture over, and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Peppers 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 with Garlic and Peppers?

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 Garlic and Peppers?

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 Garlic and Peppers 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.

What goes well with Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Peppers?

Chinese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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