Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Vietnamese Basil and Chili

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

A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed with fragrant garlic, fresh Vietnamese basil, and spicy chili for an exciting flavor punch. This vietnamese-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra-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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 small thinly sliced red chili to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Toss tofu gently to coat evenly in the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Vietnamese basil leaves and 2 chopped green onions, letting the residual heat wilt the basil.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or as a flavorful vegan main dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Vietnamese Basil and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Vietnamese Basil and Chili?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Vietnamese Basil and Chili?

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 Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Vietnamese Basil and Chili 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.

Is Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Vietnamese Basil and Chili vegan?

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

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