Lemon-Garlic Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and vibrant stir fry combining firm tofu, fragrant Thai basil, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce for a fresh Asian fusion meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 small sliced red chili to the wok, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 chopped green onions until the basil wilts slightly.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice for a refreshing Thai-inspired dinner.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu, pressed and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Garlic Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes