How do I keep the tofu crispy after mixing it with the sauce?

The trick to keeping your tofu crispy is to add it back into the wok right before serving. Once the sauce and vegetables are cooked, turn off the heat, toss in the tofu, and stir just enough to coat it. If you mix it too early or let it sit too long, it will absorb too much moisture. You can also lightly refry the tofu for a minute before combining it with the sauce to refresh its crunch.

What can I serve with Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry besides rice?

While jasmine rice is the traditional choice, this stir-fry pairs wonderfully with brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can even wrap it in lettuce for a light, fresh lunch. It also goes great with a side of Thai cucumber salad, which adds a cool, crisp contrast to the heat of the stir-fry.

Can I make Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry less spicy?

Absolutely. Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry is meant to be spicy, but you can control the heat. Reduce the number of chilies or replace them with mild red peppers for color without too much heat. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the garlic, basil, and sauces, just a little gentler on the spice level.

What type of tofu is best for Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry?

The best tofu for Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry is egg tofu, which has a smooth, creamy texture that fries beautifully into golden pieces. It soaks up the sauce while keeping a soft center. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can use pressed firm tofu, but make sure to remove excess water before frying so it stays crisp and doesn’t fall apart in the wok.

Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry | Delicious & Easy Vegetarian Recipe

Description

A flavorful and aromatic Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry made with golden fried egg tofu, fresh holy basil, and a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory Thai sauces. This vegetarian Thai dish is quick, healthy, and full of authentic street food flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

3 small tubes of egg tofu, about 14 oz / 400 g
1/2 cup tempura flour, substitute with cornstarch or rice flour
2 tablespoons oil
4 cloves of garlic, peeled
4 chilies, adjust to taste
1/2 cup yard-long beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup onion, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
A handful of holy basil leaves

Instructions

Cut the egg tofu package in half with a sharp knife. Gently fold the package open and squeeze both halves to slide the tofu out. Slice the tofu to your preferred thickness.
Coat the tofu slices evenly with tempura flour. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the tofu until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Crush the garlic and chilies together using a mortar and pestle until a coarse paste forms.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic-chili mixture and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped onions and yard-long beans. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.
Pour in the vegetarian oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and white sugar. Stir to combine and coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce.
Turn off the heat and add the fried tofu pieces. Toss gently to coat the tofu with the sauce.
Add the handful of holy basil leaves and toss briefly until the basil wilts from the heat. Serve immediately and enjoy your Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry with steamed rice.

Notes

If holy basil is unavailable, Thai sweet basil can be used but will have a milder flavor.
Use firm tofu instead of egg tofu for a chewier texture.
Control the heat level by adjusting the number of chilies to your preference.
Serve fresh for best texture as tofu tends to lose its crispness over time.
For a vegan version, ensure your oyster sauce is plant-based.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 330
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry, vegetarian Thai recipes, basil tofu, Thai street food, quick tofu stir-fry, spicy tofu recipe, easy Thai stir-fry, holy basil tofu, Asian tofu dish, Thai basil recipe