Stir-Fried Minced Pork and Tofu with Sichuan Peppercorns

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

A balanced Sichuan dish where firm tofu and savory minced pork simmer in a numbing, spicy sauce with toasted peppercorns. This sichuan-inspired asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs Firm tofu, Ground pork, Dried red chili peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Sichuan cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer pork to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, heat 1 tbsp cooking oil until shimmering. Add dried red chili peppers and 1 tsp toasted Sichuan peppercorns, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying 1 minute until golden.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked pork to wok, then add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add cubed tofu and gently toss to coat. Pour in cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens and coats ingredients, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp sliced green onions and cook 1 minute more until flavors meld. Remove from heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Minced Pork and Tofu with Sichuan Peppercorns take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Stir-Fried Minced Pork and Tofu with Sichuan Peppercorns?

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 Stir-Fried Minced Pork and Tofu with Sichuan Peppercorns?

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 Stir-Fried Minced Pork and Tofu with Sichuan Peppercorns 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 Stir-Fried Minced Pork and Tofu with Sichuan Peppercorns?

Sichuan asian 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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