Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Green Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silken tofu simmered in a fiery Sichuan peppercorn and chili sauce with crisp green peppers, creating a balanced vegetarian dish with deep umami notes. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs ounces firm tofu, tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, tablespoon dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tablespoon dried red chilies, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, 1 tablespoon rice wine, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Press 14 ounces firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; add tofu and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon minced ginger to the skillet; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup sliced green bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet, pour in sauce mixture, and add 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and stir to combine.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Green Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Green 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 ounces firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Green 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Green Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Green 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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