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Thai Basil Tofu

Thai Basil Tofu

Evelyn
Spicy, savory Thai basil tofu stir fry ready in 20 minutes. This easy vegetarian dish features crumbled extra firm tofu with aromatic Thai basil, garlic, and chilies served over jasmine rice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Kitchen towels for pressing tofu
  • Cutting board and knife

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces extra firm tofu pressed and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 6 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 4-6 fresh Thai red chilies thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1.5 cups fresh Thai basil leaves roughly torn
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups jasmine rice cooked, for serving
  • lime wedges and scallions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Press the tofu by wrapping in clean kitchen towels and placing something heavy on top for 15-30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook jasmine rice according to package directions.
  • Crumble the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces with your hands or a fork. Set aside.
  • Mix the sauce by combining light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  • Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add avocado oil and swirl to coat.
  • Add crumbled tofu in an even layer. Let sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom. Stir and repeat once more.
  • Push tofu to one side. Add a bit more oil if needed, then add minced garlic, sliced chilies, and diced red onion. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Mix everything together and pour in the sauce mixture. Toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats the tofu and reduces slightly. Pan should look almost dry.
  • Turn off heat and immediately add Thai basil leaves. Stir until basil wilts from residual heat, about 30 seconds.
  • Serve immediately over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with lime wedges and sliced scallions.

Notes

  • For extra crispy tofu, toss crumbled pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch before frying
  • Freeze tofu overnight before pressing for meatier texture that absorbs more sauce
  • Thai basil is ideal but regular basil with mint leaves works in a pinch
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or green beans with the aromatics for a heartier meal
  • Adjust chili quantity based on your heat preference
Keyword Thai basil tofu