Szechuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with bold Szechuan chili sauce, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant vegetables for a fiery vegetarian main. This chinese-inspired chinese (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces firm tofu, pressed and cubed, tablespoons vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 ounces firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet, then stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 1 tablespoon Szechuan chili bean paste; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, then add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar; toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup roasted peanuts and cook for another minute until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts 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 Szechuan-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts?

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 tablespoons vegetable oil from drying out.

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

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-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts 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-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanuts 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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