Description
Thai Basil Tofu is a vibrant and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with aromatic Thai basil, fiery chilies, and a savory soy-based sauce. This quick and easy dish combines the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors, making it an ideal plant-based main course served over jasmine rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 Thai chilies, finely sliced or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1 packed cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional for color)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Coat the Tofu: Toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until they are lightly and evenly coated to help achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they become golden and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and Thai chilies, cooking for about 20 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and water or vegetable broth. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a quick simmer.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss everything together, coating the tofu evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Basil and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt gently in the residual heat.
- Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Tofu hot over jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the number of Thai chilies according to your heat preference.
- If fresh Thai basil is unavailable, regular basil can be substituted, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Pressing tofu properly helps achieve the best crispy texture.
