Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Basil

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

A light, flavorful dish featuring crispy tofu tossed in a fragrant coconut-lime sauce with fresh herbs. This thai-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs tofu, bell pepper, broccoli 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 block (14 oz) pressed tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 red bell pepper and 1/2 head broccoli, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup cooked rice and 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, stirring to combine. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and additional basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Basil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with 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 tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with 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 Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with 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 Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with 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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