Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce

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

A bold and spicy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in an authentic Sichuan peppercorn sauce that tingles the palate with numbing heat. This chinese-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, Sichuan peppercorns 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Turn tofu gently to brown all sides, cooking an additional 4 minutes until evenly golden and crispy, then remove tofu to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, stirring quickly to toast for 15 seconds.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, and 1 tsp sugar, stirring to combine and letting the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the cubes evenly with the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped scallions before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce 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 Tofu with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce?

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 Tofu with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce?

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 Tofu with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce 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 Tofu with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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