Basil Tofu Stir-Fry with Chili, Lime, and Fresh Basil Recipe

Introduction

Basil Tofu is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender tofu with fresh vegetables and aromatic Thai basil. This quick and easy dish brings a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a delicious vegetarian meal option.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or grapeseed oil
• 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
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 Thai chiles, finely chopped
• 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
• Cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a wok or large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the sliced shallot and toss until softened, about 1 minute.
2. Step 2: Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced green beans. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and toss for 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped garlic and Thai chiles, tossing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add the broken tofu pieces, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir-fry until the tofu is well coated and heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the lime juice and add the basil leaves. Toss just until the basil wilts, about 30 seconds.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately with cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice and lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
• Adjust the number of Thai chiles to control the heat level to your preference.
• Swap green beans for snap peas or broccoli for a different vegetable twist.
• Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for added texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tofu firm, adding a splash of water if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of tofu?

Extra-firm tofu works best for this stir-fry because it holds its shape well, but firm tofu can also be used. Avoid silken tofu as it will break apart during cooking.

What can I substitute for Thai basil if I can’t find it?

If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil is a good alternative. While the flavor is slightly different, it will still provide a pleasant herbal note to the dish.

Basil Tofu Stir-Fry with Chili, Lime, and Fresh Basil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Thai-inspired Basil Tofu stir-fry featuring crisp vegetables, fragrant Thai chiles, and fresh basil leaves, served hot with jasmine or short-grain white rice. This dish is a perfect vegetarian entrée with a balance of savory soy sauce, tangy lime, and aromatic herbs.

• Author: Marco
• 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

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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
• 1 cup Thai, holy, or sweet basil leaves

Proteins and Sauces

• 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

Oils and Seasonings

• Vegetable or grapeseed oil (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus 1 lime, quartered, to serve

Serving

• Cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Prepare the wok and aromatics: Heat a wok or a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of vegetable or grapeseed oil. Add the sliced shallot and toss for about 1 minute until softened but not browned.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add the finely diced red bell pepper and thinly sliced green beans to the wok. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and toss the vegetables for 1 minute to start softening them while retaining some crunch.
3. Add aromatics and chiles: Stir in the finely chopped garlic cloves and Thai chiles, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic, making sure not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the tofu and season: Add the broken tofu pieces to the wok along with 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce and dark soy sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing gently to fully coat the tofu and heat it through without breaking it up too much.
5. Finish with lime and basil: Pour in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and add the fresh basil leaves. Toss everything quickly just until the basil wilts, about 30 seconds, to preserve its vibrant flavor and bright color.
6. Serve: Plate the basil tofu with hot cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice. Serve lime wedges on the side for extra citrus zing if desired.

Notes

• Use extra-firm tofu for the best texture that holds up during stir-frying.
• If you like less heat, reduce the amount of Thai chiles or remove seeds before chopping.
• Dark soy sauce adds color and depth, but regular soy sauce can be substituted if unavailable.
• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce alternatives.

Keywords: basil tofu, Thai tofu, vegetarian stir-fry, healthy tofu recipe, Thai basil, quick dinner, plant-based protein