Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy tofu cubes stir-fried in a bold Szechuan peppercorn and chili sauce, balanced with fragrant garlic and ginger for a vibrant vegetarian dish. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, toasted and ground Szechuan peppercorns 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then fry the tofu in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and toast 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 1 tsp red chili flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Step 4: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce?

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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce 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.

What goes well with Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce?

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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