Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic

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

A hot and flavorful Chinese stir-fry bursting with spicy chili and aromatic garlic, perfect for lovers of bold, warming dishes. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, whole dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 6 dried red chilies, and 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant and the chilies darken slightly.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced boneless chicken breast, cooking for 5-6 minutes while stirring frequently until the edges are golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 3 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame oil for aroma and freshness before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Fry with Chili and Garlic?

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 Szechuan Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic?

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-Fry with Chili and Garlic 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 Szechuan Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic?

Chinese stir fry 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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