Spicy Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold and spicy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a savory garlic and chili sauce, inspired by classic Sichuan flavors. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, and 1/2 tsp toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 3 tbsp water to make a slurry and add to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes, stirring until it thickens and coats the bottom of the pan.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu 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 Spicy Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu 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 Spicy Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu 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 Spicy Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu 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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