Basil Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Thai-inspired Basil Tofu stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and aromatic basil leaves tossed in a savory soy-lime sauce. Perfect for a quick, nutritious vegetarian meal served over jasmine or white rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 shallot or small red onion, halved and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, halved, seeds removed and finely diced
- 4 ounces green beans, trimmed and thinly sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 to 3 Thai chiles, finely chopped
Tofu and Seasonings
- 2 (14- to 16-ounce) packages extra-firm tofu, drained and broken into irregular 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus 1 lime, quartered, to serve
- 1 cup Thai, holy or sweet basil leaves
- Salt, ½ teaspoon for seasoning
Oils and Serving
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or grapeseed oil
- Cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the wok: Place a wok or large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil to coat the surface evenly.
- Sauté shallots and vegetables: Add the sliced shallot and toss until softened, about 1 minute. Then add the diced red bell pepper and green beans. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and continue tossing for another minute to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Add aromatics: Mix in the finely chopped garlic and Thai chiles. Stir and toss until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the tofu: Add the irregular tofu pieces to the wok along with both soy sauces. Stir-fry continuously until the tofu is well coated with the sauces and heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Finish with lime and basil: Pour in the lime juice and add the basil leaves. Toss everything together in the wok until the basil wilts, which takes about 30 seconds.
- Serve: Plate the basil tofu stir-fry over cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice, garnishing with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.
Notes
- For best texture, press the tofu beforehand to remove excess water to ensure crispiness during stir-frying.
- Adjust the number of Thai chiles to control spice level to your preference.
- Dark soy sauce adds a richer color and deeper flavor; substitute with regular soy sauce if unavailable but reduce quantity slightly.
- Use a wok or large skillet to allow even cooking and easy tossing of the ingredients.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and tender-crisp vegetables.
Keywords: Basil Tofu, Thai Stir-fry, Vegetarian Tofu Recipe, Healthy Tofu Dish, Quick Vegetarian Dinner, Thai Basil Recipe
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/basil-tofu-stir-fry-recipe/
