Basil Seafood Stir-Fry with Tofu

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A vibrant Thai-inspired dish combining shrimp, tofu, and aromatic basil with lemongrass and chili. This thai-inspired seafood (gluten-free, vegetarian-option) ready in about 35 minutes pairs shrimp, tofu, Thai basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 200g shrimp
• 1 block tofu
• 1/2 cup Thai basil
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 lime
• 200g rice noodles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add 2 tbsp olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add 2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden. Tip: Use a sharp knife to mince the garlic for even cooking.
2. Step 2: Add 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined, and 1 block tofu, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink and the tofu edges are golden brown and crispy. Tip: Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove moisture for better browning.
3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup Thai basil, torn by hand, and 1/2 bell pepper, sliced into 1/2-inch strips. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the bell pepper softens and the basil wilts, releasing its aromatic oils. Tip: Add the basil last to preserve its freshness and vibrant flavor.
4. Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp fish sauce and the juice of 1 lime, squeezed directly over the pan. Stir to combine, then add 200g rice noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the noodles absorb the sauce and the mixture thickens slightly. Tip: If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of water to balance the flavor.
5. Step 5: Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the ingredients are well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Thai basil leaves if desired. Tip: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of fish sauce.