Stir-Fried Szechuan Tofu with Garlic and Chilies

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

A spicy and savory stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with fragrant garlic and fiery Szechuan chilies for a bold flavor punch. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to the side, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 6 broken dried Szechuan chili peppers to the wok, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir tofu back into the garlic and chilies, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss everything together for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu evenly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Szechuan Tofu with Garlic and Chilies take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Szechuan Tofu with Garlic and Chilies?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Szechuan Tofu with Garlic and Chilies?

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 Szechuan Tofu with Garlic and Chilies 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 Stir-Fried Szechuan Tofu with Garlic and Chilies 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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