Description
Experience bold, savory delight with Thai Basil Tofu (Tofu Pad Krapow), a quick and flavorful vegan stir-fry packed with authentic Thai spices, fragrant holy basil, and silky tofu. This plant-based dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, making it an ideal meal for anyone seeking comforting yet exciting Thai street food at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 400g firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 shallots, finely minced
- 3–5 bird’s eye chilies, finely minced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional
- Steamed jasmine rice, to serve
- Sliced red chilies, for garnish
- Wedge of lime, for garnish
- Crushed peanuts or toasted sesame oil, for extra flavor boost
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain the firm tofu and press it gently to remove excess moisture. Then crumble or cube it depending on your preferred texture. This helps the tofu soak up the sauce and crisp up during cooking.
- Chop Aromatics and Chilies: Finely mince the garlic, shallots, and bird’s eye chilies. Their powerful flavors are essential for the dish’s depth.
- Stir-Fry the Base: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and chilies, sautéing until fragrant and slightly golden, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Cook the Tofu: Add the crumbled tofu to the pan and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until edges start to crisp and the tofu is heated through, absorbing the base flavors.
- Add Seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, and sprinkle the light brown sugar. Stir well so the tofu is evenly coated in the savory-sweet sauce mixture.
- Toss in the Basil: Remove the pan from the heat and fold in fresh Thai basil leaves, letting the residual warmth wilt them slightly while retaining their vibrant color and aroma.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or your preferred grain to complete the meal.
Notes
- Press tofu well to remove excess moisture for better browning and texture.
- Use a hot pan or wok to get crispy edges on tofu and lock in flavors.
- Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor and aroma.
- Adjust the spice gradually by using fewer chilies initially and adding more as desired.
- Choose high-quality soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce to elevate the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg