Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions

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

A vibrant and spicy vegetarian stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with aromatic garlic, scallions, and Sichuan peppercorns for a tongue-tingling kick. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 cloves minced garlic, 4 sliced scallions, 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, and 1/2 tsp toasted crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 1 minute until it thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the spicy garlic sauce. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions?

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 Scallions 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 Garlic and Scallions 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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