Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili

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

A fiery stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with bold Sichuan garlic chili sauce and fresh vegetables. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, divided vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz cubed firm tofu with 3 tbsp cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet along with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 6 broken dried red chilies, and 1 tsp toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup trimmed snow peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Return the tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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 cornstarch from drying out.

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

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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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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