Kung Pao Tofu

Name: Kung Pao Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: (2) 14.5 ounce blocks extra-firm tofu; 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 4 tablespoons peanut oil; 1/2 cup water; 6 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice wine; 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 teaspoons ground Szechuan peppercorns (see Notes); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon peanut oil; 1 large red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 large green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces); 4 green onions (white separated from green and cut into 1-inch pieces); 6-10 whole dried red chilies (cut smaller if needed); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 1/2 cup peanuts

Kung Pao Tofu features pan-fried tofu, stir-fried veggies, and peanuts in a boldly flavored sauce. A plant based dinner everyone can get on board with, and it’s easy to make.

Want more easy takeout-inspired tofu dinners? Try my Easy Teriyaki Tofu, Black Pepper Tofu, General Tso’s Tofu, and Orange Tofu recipes as well!

close up on cooked kung pao tofu and vegetables in a large black cast iron skillet.

Why I love this recipe

It’s a fast, easy, and flavor-packed weeknight dinner.
Everything comes together in one pan!
A sticky, savory and sweet kung pao sauce coats every bite of crispy fried tofu and stir fried vegetables.

How to make kung pao tofu

Press the brick of tofu to drain the excess water, then rip it into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a large bowl and toss with the cornstarch.

Tofu pieces covered in cornstarch in a large white bowl.

Heat the peanut oil (or avocado oil or other high-heat safe oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmery, add the tofu and fry until the pieces are browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.

Fry in batches: The secret to golden and crispy pan-fried tofu is to fry the cubes in a single layer in the pan with space in between each piece. If your pan isn’t big enough to fit all of the tofu, then fry the cubes in batches.

Alternatively, bake the tofu using this method: Crispy Baked Tofu.

a pile of fried tofu pieces on a white plate.

Next, make the easy kung pao sauce by whisking the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

Pour a little more oil into the now-empty skillet. Add the bell peppers, the white part of the onions, and dried red chilies, then stir fry for a few minutes. Next, add the garlic and ginger.

stir fried bell peppers and dried chili peppers in a black skillet.

fried tofu pieces, peanuts, and green onions on top of stir fried vegetables in a black cast iron skillet.

Pour the sauce into the pan and stir until it thickens. Add the tofu back into the pan, along with the green parts of the onions and peanuts. Toss to coat, then serve the vegan kung pao tofu over rice. Enjoy!

cooked kung pao tofu and vegetables in a large black cast iron skillet.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to press the tofu?

I always recommend pressing the brick of tofu before you cut it up and fry the pieces. If the tofu is full of water, it will be nearly impossible to stir fry even with a lot of oil. To get around this, buy the super-firm variety of tofu in a vacuum pack, not the kind in water.

What can I use instead of tofu?

Roasted cauliflower florets, vegan chicken, soy curls, or fried tempeh would be just as delicious as the tofu in this recipe.

Is kung pao tofu spicy?

It depends on the dried red chili peppers you use. There are so many types of dried chili peppers to choose from, all varying in flavor and spice level. For a mild heat, use Anaheim chilies or ancho chili peppers. If you can handle more heat, give the dish a boost with guajillo, chipotle, or arbol chili peppers.

Fun fact: Szechuan peppercorns have an almost magical numbing spice (known as málà), which has been known to help you eat more spicy chilies. So, as long as you don’t forget the peppercorns, you can make this dish as spicy as you want!

I can’t find Szechuan peppercorns and/or dried chilies. What can I use instead?

You can omit both the Szechuan peppercorns and dried chilies from the recipe if you can’t find them. The only downside is that the dish won’t have as much flavor without them.

Can I air fry the tofu instead?

Absolutely. Just follow my Air Fryer Tofu recipe to learn how!

vegan kung pao tofu and vegetables served on a bed of rice in a black bowl.

This recipe was originally published in April of 2018 and has been updated with new photos and writing October 2019. The recipe is the same.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Read my full disclosure here.

About Nora