Szechuan Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy tofu tossed in a fiery Szechuan sauce with broccoli and bell peppers, served over rice. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs toasted and ground Szechuan peppercorns, chili flakes, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 3.7 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli and bell peppers, stir-frying 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chili flakes, and Szechuan peppercorns. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to coat vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the pan and toss to combine. Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to the tofu. Serve over steamed jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Szechuan Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 chili flakes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Szechuan Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry 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.

Is Szechuan Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry 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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