Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with bold Sichuan chili garlic sauce, balanced with a touch of sweetness and umami. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes blends vegetable oil, toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 4 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp doubanjiang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook the sauce for 2 minutes until it thickens and becomes aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 sliced scallions and drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil over the dish. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce?

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.

Related recipes