Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a bold Szechuan chili garlic sauce with crisp vegetables. This Chinese-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, canola oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz block of firm tofu for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the pepper softens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 2 tbsp Szechuan chili garlic sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a simmer for 1 minute until it thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the wok along with 3 chopped green onions. Toss everything together and cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Szechuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic 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 Szechuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce 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 Szechuan Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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