If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that is both healthy and utterly satisfying, you have to try this Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of fragrant Thai basil, crispy tofu, and a perfectly balanced sauce that hits just the right notes of sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory. Whether you’re a seasoned tofu fan or a curious newbie, this recipe makes it so easy to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes, packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the crispiness of the tofu to the aromatic punch of Thai basil, these essentials come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Extra-firm tofu, 8 oz: Pressed and cubed small for maximum crispness and flavor absorption.
- Dark soy sauce, 2 teaspoons: Adds a rich umami depth and savory foundation to the sauce.
- Lime juice, 3 teaspoons: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Hot sauce (like sriracha), 1 teaspoon: Provides a pleasant spicy kick that you can easily adjust.
- Brown sugar, 1.5 tablespoons: Balances the acidity and heat with a smooth sweetness.
- Toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon: Introduces a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
- Cornstarch, 1.5 tablespoons: Helps tofu achieve that irresistible crispy coating.
- White pepper powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Avocado oil, 1.5 tablespoons: Great for high-heat frying and neutral on flavor.
- Garlic cloves, 5-6 large, finely chopped: Pungent and savory, forming the aromatic base.
- Fresh ginger, 1 inch, finely chopped: Adds zing and warmth that brightens the stir fry.
- Large red pepper, 1 sliced: Offers sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal.
- Thai basil, 1/2 cup chopped: The star herb that lends its unique aromatic, slightly spicy flavor.
How to Make Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Press and Prepare the Tofu
Before you start cooking, pressing your extra-firm tofu is an absolute game-changer. Lay the block on a plate, cover it with paper towels, and set a heavy object like a cast iron skillet on top for about 20 minutes. This little trick removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu not only crisp up beautifully but also soak up all the wonderful sauce flavors later.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the tofu is pressing, take a moment to whip up your sauce. Combine the dark soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. This mixture will bring a perfect balance of salty, tangy, spicy, and sweet to coat the tofu and veggies, giving each bite a burst of flavor you’ll love.
Step 3: Cube and Coat the Tofu
Once pressed, chop your tofu into very small cubes — the smaller the better for maximum crispiness and flavor coverage. Toss the cubes in cornstarch, white pepper powder, and salt, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for that satisfying crunch and to hold on to the sauce later on.
Step 4: Crisp the Tofu
Heat your cast iron skillet or a sturdy pan over medium heat and add the avocado oil. When it’s hot and shimmering, add your coated tofu cubes. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until they develop a lovely light brown crust. Around 7 minutes total, flipping once or twice, is ideal for a golden, crispy exterior that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics and Peppers
Once the tofu is beautifully browned, toss in the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and sliced red pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the garlic and ginger start to change color and release their amazing aromas. This is where your kitchen starts smelling like a little Thai haven!
Step 6: Add the Sauce and Basil
Pour in the prepared sauce and give everything a good stir so that tofu and veggies are coated evenly. Cook for about 30 seconds to let the sauce thicken slightly and cling to every bite. Remove the pan from heat and immediately mix in the chopped Thai basil. The residual heat will gently wilt the basil, releasing its unique flavor without turning it bitter.
How to Serve Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
For that final touch, sprinkle some extra fresh Thai basil leaves on top just before serving. These bright green leaves add a fresh pop of color and an extra layer of herbal fragrance that truly completes the dish.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs brilliantly with fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, try serving this Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe in cute lettuce cups or atop a bed of warm rice noodles. You could even drizzle a little extra sriracha or sprinkle crushed peanuts for added texture and heat. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu might soften a bit, but reheating it properly helps maintain as much crispness as possible.
Freezing
While freezing tofu stir fry isn’t ideal because of texture changes, you can freeze it if needed. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. For best results, consume within one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a pan over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or a little oil can help restore moisture and crispness. Avoid microwaving when possible, since it tends to make tofu rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
While regular basil has a lovely flavor, Thai basil has a distinct, slightly spicy and licorice-like taste that makes this dish truly special. If you can’t find Thai basil, fresh sweet basil is a decent substitute.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe is naturally vegan. To keep it gluten-free, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How spicy is this stir fry?
The heat level is quite mild but has a pleasant kick thanks to sriracha. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your personal spice preference—from subtle warmth to a fiery punch.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Additional veggies like snap peas, baby corn, or sliced carrots would be fantastic and add extra crunch and color to the dish.
What’s the best tofu to use?
Extra-firm tofu is the best choice here because it holds its shape well and crisps nicely when cooked. Avoid silken or soft tofu for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe is one of those gems that makes weeknight dinners exciting and totally doable. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll end up with a dish bursting with vibrant flavors and textures that never disappoint. Give it a try and let the fresh aroma of Thai basil and zesty sauce fill your kitchen—you might just find your new favorite meal!
Print
Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry made with crispy tofu cubes, fresh Thai basil, garlic, ginger, and a tangy-sweet sauce. This quick and easy stir fry delivers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a delicious vegetarian option for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Tofu and Coating
- 8 oz extra-firm tofu (226 grams, cut into very small cubes)
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1.5 tablespoons oil (22 ml, avocado oil recommended)
Sauce
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (10 ml)
- 3 teaspoons lime juice (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like sriracha, or adjust to taste)
- 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (5 ml)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 5–6 large garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 inch ginger (finely chopped)
- 1 large red pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 cup chopped Thai basil
Instructions
- Press Tofu: Press the tofu with a heavy object, such as a cast iron pan or mortar and pestle, for around 20 minutes to remove excess moisture and improve flavor absorption.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha (or chosen hot sauce), brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cube and Coat Tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into very small cubes. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, white pepper powder, and salt until evenly coated.
- Heat Pan and Cook Tofu: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add avocado oil once the pan is hot, then add the coated tofu cubes.
- Brown Tofu: Cook the tofu for about 7 minutes, flipping once or twice, until lightly browned and crisp on all sides.
- Add Aromatics and Pepper: Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and sliced red pepper to the pan. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic and ginger start to change color.
- Combine Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat the tofu and vegetables evenly. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Finish with Thai Basil: Remove the pan from heat, stir in the chopped Thai basil until just wilted and fragrant.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Thai basil and serve over jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to remove moisture for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Using a cast iron skillet enhances the browning of tofu but any heavy-bottomed pan will work.
- Fresh Thai basil is key for authentic flavor; substitute with sweet basil if unavailable.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the tofu.
