Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Szechuan Sauce and Bok Choy

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried to golden perfection with crisp bok choy, tossed in a fiery Szechuan sauce that balances heat and umami. This chinese-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends divided vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, minced fresh ginger into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden on one side. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp dried red chili flakes and 1/2 tsp toasted ground Szechuan peppercorns, cooking for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl, then pour into skillet. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 halved baby bok choy to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until bok choy is tender but still crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and gently toss to combine with sauce and bok choy. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Szechuan Sauce and Bok Choy take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Szechuan Sauce and Bok Choy?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Szechuan Sauce and Bok Choy?

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 and Bok Choy 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 and Bok Choy 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.

Related recipes