Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Thai Basil
Tender tofu cubes stir-fried with fragrant garlic and fresh Thai basil leaves in a savory soy sauce glaze. This thai-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cubed into 1-inch pieces firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 cup, loosely packed Thai basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
- 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add tofu cubes to the wok and stir-fry for 6-7 minutes, turning gently until all sides develop a light golden crust.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until tofu is evenly coated and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove wok from heat and immediately fold in 1 cup loosely packed Thai basil leaves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. The residual heat will wilt the basil.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onion stalks before serving with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Thai Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Tofu with Garlic and Thai 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Thai 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Thai Basil 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.
Is Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Thai Basil 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.
