Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic and Szechuan Peppercorns

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with fiery garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, and vibrant red chilies for a bold, numbing flavor experience. This Chinese-inspired vegetarian recipe (vegan), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves 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: 12 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 nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry without stirring for 3 minutes to develop golden edges, then turn and cook another 3 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to the side and add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 6 broken dried red chilies, and 1 tsp whole Szechuan peppercorns to the empty space. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic turns golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Stir tofu and aromatics together, then add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss everything together and cook for 1 minute more until sauce thickens slightly and coats tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the tofu. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Spicy Garlic and Szechuan 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 Spicy Garlic and Szechuan 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 Spicy Garlic and Szechuan Peppercorns 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 Spicy Garlic and Szechuan Peppercorns 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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