Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry with Crispy Peanuts

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

A vibrant, umami-packed tofu dish with a signature Szechuan peppercorn kick and crunchy peanut topping. This chinese-inspired asian (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, peanuts, Szechuan peppercorns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour into skillet, then add 3 sliced green onions. Simmer for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 1/4 cup toasted peanuts.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with extra green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Crispy Peanuts 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.

Is Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry with Crispy Peanuts vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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