Spicy Thai Basil Tofu Recipe: Easy & Flavorful

Updated at: 16/05/2025

Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian meal? Look no further than this Spicy Thai Basil Tofu recipe! This dish bursts with the vibrant flavors of authentic Thai cuisine, featuring tender, pan-fried tofu infused with a fiery blend of chilies, garlic, and fragrant Thai basil. It's the perfect weeknight dinner solution, ready in under 30 minutes and packed with plant-based protein and satisfying spice. Whether you're a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recipe is designed to be accessible and adaptable to your spice preference.

This Spicy Thai Basil Tofu recipe is incredibly versatile; serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Ready to create this deliciousness in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Bowl
  • Pan
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • Extra firm tofu: 1 block
  • Vegetable broth: 1/4 cup
  • Fish sauce: 4 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Corn starch: 1 teaspoon
  • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Red onion: 1 small (diced)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
  • Jalapeno: 1 (small diced)
  • Bird's eye chilies: 4
  • Red pepper: 1 small (seeded and diced)
  • Fresh basil: 1 pack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Tofu and Sauce

  • Drain and dice the tofu.
  • In a bowl, combine vegetable broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and corn starch. Stir well.
Drain and dice the tofu.Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine vegetable broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and corn starch. Stir well.
Prepare Tofu and Sauce

Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Tofu

  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
  • Add bird's eye chilies and diced peppers to the pan. Cook briefly.
  • Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Add the tofu to the pan, arranging it in a single layer. Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.Add bird's eye chilies and diced peppers to the pan. Cook briefly.Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).Add the tofu to the pan, arranging it in a single layer. Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
Sauté Vegetables and Tofu

Step 3. Simmer in Sauce

  • Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir to combine.
  • Add the fresh basil leaves (remove large stems). Stir gently.
  • Cover the pan and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and the basil wilts.
Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir to combine.Add the fresh basil leaves (remove large stems). Stir gently.Cover the pan and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and the basil wilts.
Simmer in Sauce

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve over rice.
Serve over rice.
Serve

Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)

Tips

  • Don't wash the basil too much to preserve its essential oils.
  • You can crumble the tofu for a different texture.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of tofu?

Yes! Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe as it holds its shape well when pan-fried. Avoid silken tofu.

2. How can I adjust the spice level?

Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or chili paste you add. Start with less and add more to taste. You can also omit the chilies entirely for a milder version.


This Spicy Thai Basil Tofu recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal any night of the week, impressing yourself and your guests with its authentic Thai taste. Happy cooking!