Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold and flavorful dish with crispy tofu, spicy Szechuan peppercorns, and tangy pickled mustard greens. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs tofu, medium bell peppers, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cube tofu into 1/2-inch pieces and press to remove moisture. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the wok. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Return tofu to the wok. Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, and 1 cup pickled mustard greens. Stir to coat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tofu Stir-Fry 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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