Eggplant and Tofu Szechuan Stir-Fry

A spicy, savory Chinese-inspired stir-fry featuring eggplant and tofu with bold Szechuan peppers, garlic, and a glossy sauce. This dish showcases a balance of umami, heat, and a slight tingle from Sichuan pepper, finished with a quick cornstarch glaze for shine.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)

Ingredients(scaled)

  • ½ large eggplant, 1 1/2 pounds, cubed
  • 7 oz firm tofu, drained and cubed
  • 1 tbsp Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
  • 1 ½ cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • ½ 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp roasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toss eggplant in 1/4 tsp salt; set aside 5 min, pat dry; heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet and fry until browned; remove.
  2. Pan-fry tofu in remaining oil until lightly golden; remove and set aside with eggplant.
  3. In same wok, add garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang; cook 30 sec until fragrant.
  4. Add eggplant, tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water; simmer 3–4 min.
  5. Stir in cornstarch slurry until sauce thickens; finish with sesame oil and sesame seeds.

Chef’s Pro Tips

  • Use firm tofu for crisper edges.
  • Salted eggplant reduces moisture and bitterness.
  • Add a touch more chili paste if you like extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa and a side of sautéed greens.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat on stove with a splash of water.

Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
calories
protein
carbohydrates
fat

Community Ratings & Comments

No ratings yet. Be the first!

Leave a rating

Leave a comment

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to leave one!

Try these other recipes