Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Thai Basil

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

Crispy tofu cubes stir-fried in a savory-sweet Vietnamese caramel sauce with fresh Thai basil and garlic for an umami-packed vegetarian dish. This vietnamese-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. 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 3 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 ounces firm tofu cut into 1-inch cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 5 minced garlic cloves, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons sugar to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and turns a deep amber caramel color, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Carefully add 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce to the caramel, stirring to combine and form a glossy sauce.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the caramel sauce. Stir in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, cooking for 1 more minute until basil wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Thai Basil 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 Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce 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 Vietnamese Caramel Sauce 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 Vietnamese Caramel Sauce 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 Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Thai Basil 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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