Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanuts

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

A vibrant tofu dish with numbing Sichuan peppercorns and crispy peanuts, ideal with steamed rice for a balanced meal. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 ounces firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes, and heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to the skillet, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds to blend flavors.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet, pour in 1/4 cup water, and simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanuts?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanuts?

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 Peanuts 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.

Is Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanuts 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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