Thai Basil Tofu
Crisp tofu stir-fried with chili, garlic, and Thai basil.
Ingredients
- 400 g Firm tofu
- 1 bunch Thai basil
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 3 Thai chilies
- 2 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dark soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Neutral oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 400 g Jasmine rice (optional)
Method
- Rinse the jasmine rice and cook it in twice its volume of water, covered, until tender and the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, press and cube the firm tofu, then pound the garlic and Thai chilies to a rough paste.
- Fry the tofu in hot oil over medium-high heat until golden and crisp on all sides, then set aside.
- Stir-fry the garlic and chili briefly until fragrant, return the tofu, and season with the light soy, dark soy, and sugar.
- Take the pan off the heat and fold in the Thai basil so it just wilts.
- Serve over the jasmine rice.
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About Thai Basil Tofu
Thai basil tofu is the meat-free cousin of pad kra pao, built on the same flavour logic but leaning entirely on crisped tofu for substance. Firm tofu is pressed, cubed, and fried until every side turns golden and taut, which is the step that makes or breaks the dish; a properly seared exterior gives the tofu enough backbone to hold up against the garlic, Thai chilies, and the double hit of light and dark soy. The result tastes savoury and gently sweet with a clean chili burn, and the pounded garlic-chili paste means those flavours coat rather than sit on top.
It reads as vegan and high-protein, but the appeal is really about contrast: crunchy tofu edges, the aromatic wilt of Thai basil folded in off the heat, and plain jasmine rice underneath to soak up the seasoning. This is a genuine quick dinner for two, with the rice and the tofu prep running in parallel so nothing waits around. Serve it as a standalone bowl or alongside other Thai plates; the assertive basil and chili make it hold its own even next to richer dishes.
Thai Basil Tofu: frequently asked questions
How many calories are in Thai Basil Tofu?
A serving has about 374 calories — 21g protein, 11.7g carbs, 29.2g fat, 2.5g fiber. Figures are estimated from the ingredient amounts and will shift with your portions and brands.
Is Thai Basil Tofu gluten-free?
As written, no — it contains Light soy sauce, Dark soy sauce. You'd need a certified gluten-free swap for those ingredients to make it gluten-free.
Do I need every ingredient to make Thai Basil Tofu?
The core ingredients are essential, but you can leave out jasmine rice — it's optional and mainly there for extra flavor or finish.
How many servings does Thai Basil Tofu make?
This recipe makes 2 servings. In the app you can scale it up or down and the ingredient amounts adjust automatically.