Spicy Sichuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanuts

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

A bold and flavorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, crunchy peanuts, and a spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce that tingles the palate. This chinese-inspired st. patrick’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, peanuts, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 400 g firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 1 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated tofu cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns and 5 dried red chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the wok, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sugar, stirring to combine and create a glossy sauce.
  6. Step 6: Mix 3 tbsp water into the wok, then return the fried tofu and 50 g peanuts to the pan, tossing gently to coat everything with the sauce. Cook 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and clings to tofu.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top, stir once more, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sichuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanuts 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 Spicy Sichuan 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 Spicy Sichuan 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 Spicy Sichuan 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 Spicy Sichuan 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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