Szechuan-Style Tofu Stir-Fry
Crispy tofu tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce with bell peppers and broccoli, inspired by the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 25 minutes pairs block (14 oz), cubed tofu, soy sauce, sriracha for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz), cubed tofu
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 large, sliced bell peppers
- 1 head, florets cut broccoli
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat sesame oil in a wok over high heat. Add tofu and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same wok, add ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers and broccoli, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Return tofu to the wok. Mix soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and brown sugar into a glaze. Pour over the dish and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Szechuan-Style Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 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 block (14 oz), cubed tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan-Style 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-Style Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
What goes well with Szechuan-Style Tofu Stir-Fry?
Chinese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
