Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) - Easy Dinner (Print Version)
Quick Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) delivers authentic flavors in an easy weeknight dinner. Aromatic basil, savory sauce, and firm tofu.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Thai
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Tofu & Veggie Core
01 -
16 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed into 3/4-inch pieces
02 -
1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
03 -
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 -
2 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
→ Aromatic Heat & Herbs
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, thinly sliced (or 1-2 serrano chilies for less heat)
07 -
1 1/2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
→ Umami-Rich Stir-Fry Sauce
08 -
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
09 -
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
10 -
2 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
11 -
1 tsp granulated sugar
12 -
1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
→ For Serving
13 -
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
14 -
2 lime wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Press and cube 16 oz extra-firm tofu into 3/4-inch pieces. Trim and halve 1 cup green beans. Thinly slice 1 medium red bell pepper. This initial prep is key for an efficient Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) | Easy Dinner.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth. Set this flavorful sauce aside for your delicious Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) | Easy Dinner.
03 -
Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed 16 oz extra-firm tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic and 2-3 thinly sliced Thai bird's eye chilies (or 1-2 serrano chilies). Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This builds the aromatic base for your dish.
05 -
Add the 1 cup green beans and 1 medium red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
06 -
Return the cooked 16 oz extra-firm tofu to the skillet. Add 1 1/2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, packed. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the basil wilts and all ingredients are well coated in the sauce, completing your Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) | Easy Dinner.
07 -
Remove the Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) | Easy Dinner from heat. Serve immediately over 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, garnished with 2 lime wedges. Enjoy this quick and delicious meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For extra crispy tofu, press it for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) to remove as much water as possible. This allows it to absorb more flavor and achieve a better texture.
02 -
Thai bird's eye chilies pack a punch! For less heat, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. For more heat, feel free to add an extra chili or two.
03 -
While fresh Thai basil is essential for authentic Pad Krapow flavor, if unavailable, you can use holy basil (for a more traditional taste) or even Italian basil in a pinch, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
04 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Wok or large skillet
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 kcal
Total Fat: 12 g
Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
Protein: 16 g