Spicy Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir fry featuring firm tofu cubes and crisp bell peppers tossed in a bold, spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce for a flavorful vegetarian meal. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 tsp ground toasted Sichuan peppercorns. Stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large green bell pepper, both sliced into thin strips, and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the wok. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Turn off heat and drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil. Garnish with 2 chopped scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Bell 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell 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 Spicy Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell 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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