Spicy Szechuan Tofu and Vegetables: A Bold and Flavorful Stir-Fry

Looking for a plant-based dish that delivers bold heat, crisp vegetables, and satisfying protein? This Spicy Szechuan Tofu and Vegetables recipe brings the fiery flavors of traditional Chinese Szechuan cuisine straight to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this stir-fry is vibrant, customizable, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

What Makes It Szechuan?

Szechuan (also spelled Sichuan) cuisine hails from the Sichuan province of China and is known for its bold, spicy, and mouth-tingling flavors. The star of many Szechuan dishes is the Szechuan peppercorn—famous not just for its heat but for its unique numbing sensation, often paired with chili oil, garlic, and fermented sauces.

This recipe stays true to that tradition while offering a plant-based twist featuring tofu as the protein base and a medley of fresh, colorful vegetables.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Szechuan-style dish:

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  
• 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
  
• 1/4 teaspoon ground Szechuan peppercorns (or to taste)
  
• 1 tablespoon water
  
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  
• 2 tablespoons oil (such as peanut or vegetable)
  
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  
• 1 zucchini, halved and sliced
  
• 1 cup broccoli florets
  
• 1 carrot, julienned
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry tofu until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, sugar, Szechuan peppercorns, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add broccoli, carrot, and zucchini. Cook for 3–4 minutes, then add bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return tofu to the pan. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• 🌱 100% plant-based and protein-rich
  
• 🌶️ Spicy and bold with adjustable heat
  
• 🥦 Packed with colorful, nutrient-rich veggies
  
• ⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes
  
• 🥢 Authentic Szechuan flavor at home
  

FAQs

Is this dish very spicy?

It can be, but you control the heat. Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and Szechuan peppercorns to your taste. For a milder version, reduce both or omit the peppercorns.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! While tofu is perfect for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute with tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas for variety.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

This dish is very versatile. Try snow peas, mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or even cabbage depending on what’s in your fridge.

Where can I find Szechuan peppercorns?

They’re available at Asian markets and many online retailers. If you can’t find them, a small pinch of black pepper and extra chili can be used, though the numbing sensation will be missing.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu may lose some crispness, but the flavors deepen over time.

Conclusion

Spicy Szechuan Tofu and Vegetables is more than just a stir-fry—it’s a flavor adventure. With just a few pantry staples and a rainbow of vegetables, you can recreate a restaurant-quality meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and full of personality. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned tofu enthusiast, this dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Ready to heat things up? Grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and let the sizzle begin!