Thai Basil Tofu Stir fry

Ingredients required to make Thai Basil Tofu stir fry

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» Tofu – An excellent source of plant-based protein and is a rich source of iron and calcium. Use extra-firm tofu because it retains its shape. On its own, tofu taste bland, but when combined with other ingredients and flavorful sauces, it absorbs the flavors from the seasonings it’s cooked in.

» Tamari – Gluten-free option. You can use low-sodium soy sauce instead. 

» Garlic -Ginger paste – fresh is the best. Adds tons of flavor. 

» Cornstarch – for crispy tofu, always coat the tofu in cornstarch. Besides that, it also helps absorb excess moisture. 

» Brown sugar – to sweeten the sauce. You can substitute it with maple syrup or honey. 

» Sriracha – extra spice to balance the sweet and tangy flavor.

» Vegetarian Mushroom oyster sauce – This sauce is made from mushroom instead of oysters, and it adds a nice touch to this Thai basil tofu. 

» Onions – I have used red onions. You can use white or yellow onions too. 

» Bell pepper – Among all the kinds, I find red bell peppers the best for this Thai basil tofu stir fry.  

» Green beans – for extra crunch and nutrition. 

» Thai Basil – the star ingredient. This is where all the flavor comes from. 

How to make Thai basil tofu stir fry?

Step 1 – Make the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk all the sauce ingredients until combined. Set it aside.

Step 2 – How to press a tofu block?

Unwrap the tofu from its package and drain the excess liquid. Wrap the block of tofu in between two kitchen paper towels. 

Place a heavy object on top to drain any excess liquid. Allow the tofu to press for 15 minutes under this heavy object. 

The extra liquid will drain away. After the rest time, unwrap the tofu block.  

Chop the pressed tofu into small cubes.

Step 3- Prepare crisp tofu bites

Add the chopped tofu to a large bowl and add cornstarch. Toss to coat. Make sure every tofu piece is well coated in cornstarch.

Add Oil to a large skillet. Add tofu pieces and cook on medium heat until crisp and slightly brown. It should take 5-6 minutes. 

Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside. 

Step 4- Cook the vegetables and assemble everything

Add Oil to the same skillet. Once its hot, add chopped green beans to the skillet and cook for a minute. Do not overcook. 

Add ginger and garlic paste — cook for 2-3 minutes. Add chopped onions to the pan. Cook for a minute. 

Next, add bell peppers. Stir to combine.

Lower the heat to the lowest setting and pour in the sauce that we have prepared earlier in the recipe. Mix until combined. 

Finally, add the crispy tofu bites and basil leaves. 

Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes on low heat. Once done, remove from heat. 

Serve it over a bowl full of white jasmine rice, and it is simply outstanding – a delicious meal that is guaranteed to impress the biggest of tofu-haters!

Cooking tips to make the best Thai basil tofu stir fry!

» Instead of cooking tofu in a skillet, you can bake the tofu bites. For that, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the tofu bites with oil and bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until crisp and brown. All ovens are different, so the cooking time may vary. 

» You can bake tofu bites in an air fryer too. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and brown. 

» For crispier tofu – you can broil it for a minute until brown.

» Not a tofu fan? Well, in that case, you can substitute tofu for Indian cottage cheese, Paneer (non-vegan option). 

» Don’t have cornstarch? No worries, you can use almond flour or arrowroot starch instead. It will lend the same crispy texture to the tofu.

» Like it saucy? Add more vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce and tamari to the Thai basil tofu stir fry. 

» Don’t have vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce? No problem, replace it with hoisin sauce. 

» Feel free to supplement this Thai basil tofu stir fry with any other vegetables of choice such as broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or water chestnuts for extra crunch.