Speedy Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry
A vibrant, protein-packed stir-fry with crispy tofu, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Thai-inspired sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This thai-inspired asian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, minced Thai chili
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup, julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 minced Thai chili until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 14 oz cubed tofu and stir-fry for 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 cup julienned carrots to the skillet, and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and bright green.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves and cook for 1 more minute until basil is wilted but still vibrant green.
- Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Speedy Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Speedy Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry?
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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Speedy Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry?
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 Speedy Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Speedy Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
