Spicy Szechuan-Style Stir Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This vibrant stir fry features crispy tofu cubes tossed with colorful bell peppers in a spicy, aromatic Szechuan sauce. This chinese-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, medium red bell pepper, medium green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns; toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Slice 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium green bell pepper into thin strips; add to skillet and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp chili paste; cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Return tofu to skillet, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss with sliced 2 green onions for 1 minute to combine and heat through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Szechuan-Style Stir Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers 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-Style Stir Fried Tofu 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Szechuan-Style Stir Fried Tofu 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 Szechuan-Style Stir Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers 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-Style Stir Fried Tofu 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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