Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Pork and Chili Oil

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

Crispy tofu cubes and tender pork stir-fried in a fiery Sichuan chili oil base with fresh ginger and garlic. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork tenderloin, chili oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz pressed tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat and fry tofu for 4 minutes until golden on all sides; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok, then stir-fry 6 oz sliced pork for 3 minutes until no longer pink. Add 1 tbsp minced ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp chili oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sugar. Add 1/2 cup mixed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to wok, stir to coat evenly, and cook for 1 minute. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Pork and Chili Oil 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 Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Pork and Chili Oil?

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 thinly sliced pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Pork and Chili Oil?

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 Spicy Tofu with Pork and Chili Oil 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Pork and Chili Oil?

Chinese 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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