
Spicy Szechuan Stir Fry
Experience the bold and fiery flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this vibrant stir fry. This dish features a delightful medley of crisp vegetables and protein-rich tofu, all tossed in a rich and spicy Szechuan sauce that will awaken your taste buds. The combination of garlic and ginger adds aromatic depth, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions brings a burst of texture and flavor. Historically, Szechuan cuisine is known for its liberal use of spices and bold flavors, stemming from the Sichuan province of China, where the use of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns is prominent. This stir fry is not only a feast for the palate but also a colorful celebration of Asian culinary traditions.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced)
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced)
- Broccoli florets (2 cups)
- Carrots (2, sliced)
- Firm tofu (14 ounces, cubed)
- Szechuan sauce (1/4 cup)
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Honey (1 tablespoon)
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
- Water (1/4 cup)
- Green onions (2, chopped (for garnish))
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon (for garnish))
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots into the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cubed tofu to the other side. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tofu is lightly browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Szechuan sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and toss to coat the vegetables and tofu evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes • Calories: 320 • Fat: 15g • Carbs: 30g • Protein: 15g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 5g