Szechuan Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry

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

Crisp green beans and golden tofu simmered in a spicy-savory Szechuan sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds for nutty depth. This chinese-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, green beans, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 345 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 14 oz firm tofu cubes dry with paper towels, then toss with 1 teaspoon cornstarch until lightly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 teaspoon crushed Szechuan peppercorns and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, stirring for 10 seconds to toast the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Whisk 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the green beans and stir to coat.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet, add 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, and cook for 2-3 minutes until green beans are tender-crisp and sauce has thickened. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry 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 Tofu and Green Beans 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan Tofu and Green Beans 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 Tofu and Green Beans 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 Tofu and Green Beans 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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