Try this quick and simple recipe for vegetarian Thai basil tofu stir-fry, also known as Tofu Pad Krapow! Ground tofu is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and fresh veggies, then coated in a spicy, savory soy sauce for a flavorful dish!
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients:
- 1 packet extra firm tofu (16 oz / 454 g)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ large red bell pepper, sliced
- ¾ cup green beans, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup Thai holy basil
- 2 large eggs (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2½ teaspoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon Thai chili pepper flakes (optional, or substitute with fresh Thai chili peppers)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Squeeze as much water as possible out of the tofu using your hands and paper towels.
- Crumble the tofu with a fork or your hands into a ground-like texture.
- Cook the Tofu:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the crumbled tofu and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tofu dries out.
- Optional: In a separate pan, fry eggs sunny-side-up over high heat until the edges turn crispy.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the sauce ingredients, bell pepper, green beans, and onions to the pan with the tofu.
- Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Season and Finish:
- Season the tofu mixture with salt and pepper to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon of salt and adjust as needed).
- Turn off the heat, add the Thai basil, and stir until the basil wilts.
- Serve:
- Serve the stir-fry over rice and top with the crispy fried egg if desired.
RECIPE NOTES
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Substitutions: If you can’t find Thai basil, substitute it with other basil varieties.
- Low-Carb Options:
- Serve over cauliflower rice.
- Use lettuce cups as wraps.
- Replace brown sugar with liquid stevia drops.
- Additional Veggies: Add broccoli, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and texture.
NUTRITION (PER SERVING)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 211 mg
- Sodium: 89 mg
- Potassium: 316 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Vitamin A: 1875 IU
- Vitamin C: 61 mg
- Calcium: 64 mg
- Iron: 2 mg