Stir-Fried Tofu with Minced Pork and Sichuan Peppercorns

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

A bold Sichuan-inspired dish featuring golden-fried tofu, savory minced pork, and the signature numbing heat of toasted Sichuan peppercorns in a glossy sauce. This asian ready in about 45 minutes pairs firm tofu, minced pork, Sichuan peppercorns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press the 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tofu cubes until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp cooking oil over medium heat. Add the 6 oz minced pork and stir-fry until browned, about 3 minutes. Add the 5 dried red chili peppers and 1 tsp toasted Sichuan peppercorns, then stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic. Mix in the 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; then stir in the 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water to form a sauce.
  4. Step 4: Return the fried tofu to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu. Garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Minced Pork and 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 Tofu with Minced Pork and 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 Tofu with Minced Pork and 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 Tofu with Minced Pork and Sichuan Peppercorns?

Asian 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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