Description
Thai Basil Tofu is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring crispy tofu stir-fried with a mix of aromatic Thai spices, fresh basil leaves, and colorful vegetables. This dish is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with the fragrant flavors of Thai cuisine. It’s a perfect vegetarian meal served with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz firm tofu (pressed and cut into cubes)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce for a vegan version)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (packed)
- 1 tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
- Rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into cubes and set aside.
- Fry the Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic, Thai bird’s eye chilies, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix everything together, letting it cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce is fragrant and slightly thickened.
- Combine the Tofu and Vegetables: Add the fried tofu back into the skillet. Stir to coat the tofu with the sauce and vegetables. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is tender but still crisp.
- Finish with Basil: Stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and cook for 1 more minute until the basil is wilted and fragrant.
- Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Tofu with steamed rice and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more bird’s eye chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
- For extra depth of flavor, you can also add a splash of lime juice just before serving.
- For a more balanced dish, you can add additional vegetables such as baby corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg