Spicy Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a bold, spicy Sichuan sauce with crunchy peanuts and fresh scallions. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block firm tofu, cornstarch, 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 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: Drain and press 14 oz block of firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes evenly with 3 tbsp cornstarch.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, and 1 tsp whole Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pan.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the wok and toss to coat in the sauce. Add 1/4 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts and 3 sliced scallions, drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss gently.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry 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-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts 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.

Is Spicy Sichuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry 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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