Stir-Fried Thai Basil Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic

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

A vibrant stir-fry combining crispy tofu, colorful bell peppers, and fresh Thai basil leaves in a savory garlic sauce, perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner. This thai-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu cubed, medium red bell pepper sliced, medium green bell pepper sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté 5 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and toss in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until wilted and fragrant. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Thai Basil Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Thai Basil Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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 cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Thai Basil Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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 Thai Basil Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Thai Basil Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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.

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