Description
A quick and flavorful vegan stir fry with crispy tofu, sweet peppers, garlic, chilies, and fresh basil tossed in a glossy savory sauce. Perfect for serving over jasmine rice on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot or small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 red chilies, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable broth or water
- 1 packed cup fresh Thai basil or sweet basil
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure all vegetables are sliced, the tofu is pressed and cubed, and the sauce ingredients are ready.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and vegetable broth or water. In another bowl, toss the tofu cubes with the cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil to the hot skillet. Cook the tofu in a single layer for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the garlic, shallot or onion, red bell pepper, and red chilies for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and just tender.
- Return the tofu to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and lightly thickens around the tofu and vegetables.
- Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh basil, letting it wilt gently from the residual heat.
- Serve immediately over warm jasmine rice.
Notes
- Press the tofu well for the crispiest texture.
- Add the basil at the very end to keep its fresh aroma.
- Adjust the number of chilies to control the heat level.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thai basil tofu, crispy tofu stir fry, vegan tofu dinner, basil tofu with rice, easy tofu stir fry