One-Pot Spicy Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu

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

A vibrant, spicy Thai stir fry featuring crispy tofu and fragrant holy basil leaves, all cooked quickly in one pan. This thai-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, drained 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 350 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 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small sliced red Thai chili, and 2 thinly sliced shallots to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant and the shallots soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves until wilted. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy 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 One-Pot Spicy 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, drained and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy 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 One-Pot Spicy 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Spicy Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu?

Thai vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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