Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts and Bell Peppers

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

A bold and spicy stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes, crunchy peanuts, and colorful bell peppers tossed in a numbing Sichuan peppercorn sauce. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons vegetable oil, whole dried red chilies, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 ounces pressed and cubed extra firm tofu, stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon toasted crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and 6 dried whole red chilies. Stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced ginger, stir-frying for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the wok. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup roasted peanuts and 2 tablespoons chopped scallions before serving over steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts and Bell 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 Peanuts and Bell 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 tablespoons vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts and Bell 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 Peanuts and Bell 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.

Is Sichuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts and Bell Peppers 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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