Starlight Szechuan Tofu with Star Anise Glaze
Silky tofu cubes bathed in a fragrant Szechuan peppercorn glaze, finished with star anise for a stunning visual and bold flavor. This Chinese-inspired vegetarian recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 2 pieces star anise
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns (crushed), 2 star anise pieces, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the tofu cubes, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the tofu, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and coats the cubes (about 2 minutes), then remove star anise pieces before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Starlight Szechuan Tofu with Star Anise Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (35 min prep + 10 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 Starlight Szechuan Tofu with Star Anise Glaze?
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 Starlight Szechuan Tofu with Star Anise Glaze?
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 Starlight Szechuan Tofu with Star Anise Glaze 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 Starlight Szechuan Tofu with Star Anise Glaze gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
