Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Basil
Silken tofu tossed in a fiery chili-ginger sauce and finished with fragrant fresh basil for a vibrant, plant-based dish. This asian-inspired asian ready in about 30 minutes pairs block, firm, pressed tofu, soy sauce, sriracha for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 block, firm, pressed tofu
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1, juiced lime
Instructions
- Step 1: Cube tofu into 1/2-inch pieces and toss with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a wok over high heat. Add tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden, stirring frequently. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add remaining soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 4: Return tofu to the wok, stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, then toss with fresh basil leaves until fragrant. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Basil?
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 block, firm, pressed tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Basil?
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 Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Basil?
Asian asian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
