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