Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Szechuan Sauce

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

A bold and spicy vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a fragrant Szechuan chili sauce with fresh vegetables. This Chinese-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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: 15 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 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Push the tofu to one side of the pan and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground Szechuan peppercorns and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, cooking for 20 seconds to release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the tofu and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly and cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 sliced scallions on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Szechuan Sauce 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 Tofu with Spicy Szechuan 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Szechuan 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 Spicy Szechuan 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 Spicy Szechuan Sauce 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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