| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 378 | 19g | 2g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 7g | 22g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Thai Tofu Basil Stir Fry
There’s no denying how bold and vibrant flavors can win over not just my heart, but also my palate. This is certainly the truth with the Tofu Basil Stir Fry, a Thai recipe that is as flavorful as it is versatile. Thai cuisine captures the essence of the melting pot of global gastronomy, encompassing a diverse, complex flavor profile that excites the senses.
A Celebration of Diversity
When it comes to embracing diversity in a culinary landscape, nothing beats the tasteful fusion of cultures. Just like the city I call home, where bagels share a corner with burger joints and sushi bars, this Tofu Basil Stir Fry is a testament to how well different culinary threads intertwine. Inspired by the Thai herb, this stir fry encapsulates the same sense of multicultural harmony intrinsic to my favorite city’s food culture. It’s a dish that echoes the worldviews of globally-renowned chefs like David Thompson, who has championed Thai cuisine in the international culinary circuit.
Unleashing a Symphony of Flavors
This stir fry, brimming with tofu, peppers, garlic, and a prolific use of Thai basil, results in a dish that is as aromatic as it is delicious. Each bite introduces your tastebuds to a new sensation, be it the delicate sweetness of the caramelized onions, the rich umami of the sauces, or the invigorating kick from the chilies. It’s almost like walking down a New York street, discovering a new flavor at every corner.
A Dish for Every Palate
The beauty of the Tofu Basil Stir Fry lies in its versatility. Much like New York’s culinary melting pot, this recipe accommodates personal preferences, dietary needs, and occasional culinary bravado. Whether you’re vegan, pescetarian, or just someone with a keen appreciation for hearty, warm and wholesome flavors, this stir fry magnificently complies. It’s a staple that embodies the beauty and adaptability of home cooking.
There are thousands of ways to enjoy this Thai Tofu Basil Stir Fry, but the most important thing is to relish in the robust flavors and cherish the simple act of sharing a meal. So go ahead, immerse yourself in the culinary adventure that each bite of this aromatic stir-fry offers, and make it a regular in your own kitchen just like it’s been in mine.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into cubes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 small red chillies, finely chopped
- 2 large red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 large green bell peppers, sliced
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 cups Thai basil leaves
- 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 Tablespoons light soy sauce
- 4 Tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 Tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons white sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 Tablespoons water
- Cooked Jasmine rice, for serving
Method
Step One
To begin with, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes to the pan and stir fry until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
Step Two
In the same wok or frying pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. To this, add the minced garlic and chopped red chillies. Stir fry for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step Three
Next, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and sliced onions to the wok. Stir fry for a further 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Step Four
In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and white sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour this sauce over the cooked vegetables in the wok and stir well to coat.
Step Five
Return the fried tofu cubes to the wok and add the Thai basil leaves as well. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the tofu and basil are well incorporated with the other ingredients and the sauce.
Step Six
Finally, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. This will help to thicken up the sauce a bit. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your likeness.
Step Seven
Serve the Tofu Basil Stir Fry hot, over cooked Jasmine rice. Enjoy!
