Spicy Szechuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas

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

A vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a spicy Szechuan sauce, paired with crunchy bell peppers and fresh snow peas for a bold vegetarian meal. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, trimmed snow peas 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz extra-firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup snow peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir together 1 tsp ground toasted Szechuan peppercorns, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to coat.
  6. Step 6: Return crispy tofu to the skillet, toss gently to combine all ingredients and heat through for 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Szechuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas 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 Szechuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

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 Szechuan-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

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 Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas 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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