This Thai basil tofu stir-fry is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The combination of savory tofu, aromatic garlic, and vibrant bell peppers creates a dish that's both satisfying and nutritious. The fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch that elevates the entire dish.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory condiment used in Asian cuisine, which you can find in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Fresh basil leaves are essential for the authentic flavor, so make sure to pick them up in the produce section. If you don't have cornstarch at home, it's used here to thicken the sauce and can be found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients For Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry
Tofu: Firm tofu is ideal for stir-frying as it holds its shape and absorbs flavors well.
Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that adds depth to the dish.
Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savory sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking and sautéing the ingredients.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the stir-fry.
Red bell pepper: Provides a sweet, crunchy texture and vibrant color.
Green bell pepper: Adds a slightly bitter, crisp contrast to the red bell pepper.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves impart a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy finish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When pressing tofu, use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes. This will help remove excess water, allowing the tofu to absorb more of the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a firmer texture and a nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for those who want a different texture and taste.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.
hoisin sauce - Substitute with plum sauce: Plum sauce offers a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it a good replacement for hoisin sauce.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is great for high-heat cooking.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic and can be used in similar quantities.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and crunch, making them a suitable alternative.
green bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini offers a different texture but can add a similar freshness and color to the dish.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide a different but refreshing flavor that can complement the dish well.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent and works similarly to cornstarch, making it a good alternative.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze Your Dish
Allow the Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
Transfer the cooled stir-fry into an airtight container. For best results, use a glass container to avoid any potential staining from the soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The stir-fry will keep well for up to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
For freezing, portion the stir-fry into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing waste.
Place each portion into a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label each container or bag with the date and contents. The stir-fry can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the tofu and vegetables.
Reheat the thawed stir-fry in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help revive the sauce and prevent sticking.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
For a fresh twist, add a handful of fresh basil leaves just before serving to enhance the aroma and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu and bell peppers are heated through. This method helps retain the stir-fry's original texture and flavor.
Microwave Method: Place the leftover stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If needed, heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully warmed. This method is quick and convenient but may slightly alter the texture of the tofu.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover stir-fry evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the tofu and vegetables are heated thoroughly. This method is great for reheating larger portions and maintaining a crispy texture.
Steaming Method: Place the leftover stir-fry in a heatproof dish that fits into a steamer basket. Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place the steamer basket over the pot, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the tofu tender.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stir-fry in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method can help restore some of the original crispiness of the tofu.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Tofu press: used to remove excess water from the tofu, ensuring it absorbs more flavor and achieves a better texture.
Cutting board: provides a stable surface for slicing the tofu and bell peppers.
Knife: essential for cutting the tofu into cubes and slicing the bell peppers.
Mixing bowl: used to combine the tofu with soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
Pan: used for stir-frying the tofu and vegetables.
Spatula: helps in stirring and flipping the tofu and vegetables while cooking.
Measuring spoons: ensures accurate measurement of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vegetable oil, and cornstarch.
Garlic press: makes mincing garlic quick and easy.
Small bowl: used to mix cornstarch with water if you choose to thicken the sauce.
Rice cooker: convenient for cooking rice to serve with the stir-fry.
Serving dish: used to present the finished stir-fry.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Press tofu in advance: Press the tofu ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time during cooking.
Pre-slice vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and mince the garlic beforehand and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-made sauces: Opt for store-bought soy sauce and hoisin sauce to cut down on preparation time.
Cook rice simultaneously: Start cooking the rice while you prepare the stir-fry to have everything ready at the same time.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 unit red bell pepper sliced
- 1 unit green bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes.
- In a bowl, mix tofu with soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add tofu and stir-fry until golden brown.
- Add bell peppers and cook until tender.
- Stir in basil leaves and cook until wilted.
- (Optional) Add cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot with rice.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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