Save A vibrant, plant-based stir-fry bursting with aromatic Thai basil, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seared tofu in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. This Vegan Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry is quick, healthy, and full of flavor, bringing the essence of Thai street food into your kitchen in just 30 minutes.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the balance of the sauce and the freshness of the Thai basil. By searing the tofu first, you create a wonderful texture that holds up beautifully against the crunch of the bell peppers and snap peas.
Ingredients
- Tofu: 400 g (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into 2 cm (¾-inch) cubes
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 small red onion, sliced; 100 g (3.5 oz) snap peas, trimmed; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small red chili, finely sliced (optional)
- Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1½ tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tbsp water
- Stir-Fry & Garnish: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, lime wedges, cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
- Step 2: Sear the tofu
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté aromatics
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic, red onion, and chili (if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir-fry vegetables
- Add bell peppers, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Toss with sauce
- Return tofu to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything to coat evenly. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 6: Finish with basil
- Remove from heat and gently fold in Thai basil leaves until just wilted.
- Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the tofu is well-pressed to remove excess moisture before frying; this ensures a much crispier exterior. Keep your wok at a high heat to ensure the vegetables stay vibrant and crunchy rather than steaming.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily substitute other vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, or zucchini based on what you have on hand. For a gluten-free version, replace the regular and dark soy sauce with tamari.
Serviervorschläge
This stir-fry is best served immediately over fluffy jasmine rice with plenty of fresh lime wedges for squeezing. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp, aromatic white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Save Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking for a Meatless Monday favorite, this Vegan Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry offers a satisfying and nutritious dinner that hits all the right flavor notes.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I get crispy tofu for stir-fry?
Press firm tofu to remove excess moisture, cut into uniform cubes, then pan-fry in hot oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes. Turn occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides before setting aside.
- → Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor and holds up better to heat. While sweet basil works in a pinch, the flavor profile will be noticeably different. Look for Thai basil at Asian markets or grow your own.
- → What vegetables work best in this stir-fry?
Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and red onion provide excellent crunch and color. You can also add broccoli, baby corn, zucchini, or bok choy. Avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes that can make the sauce too thin.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari to make it completely gluten-free. All other ingredients including tofu, vegetables, and seasonings are naturally gluten-free.
- → How can I make this stir-fry spicier?
Add sliced red chili during cooking, increase the amount of fresh chili used, or sprinkle in chili flakes to taste. You can also serve with sriracha or chili garlic oil on the side for customizable heat.
- → Can I meal prep this tofu stir-fry?
This dish keeps well for 3-4 days refrigerated. Store rice and stir-fry separately. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Thai basil is best added fresh when reheating.