• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook with Kushi
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy policy
    • Disclaimer
  • Advertise
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Easy and Healthy Recipes for the Family
  • Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Lunch and Dinner Recipes

    Spicy Basil Tofu | Tofu Stir Fry

    Published: Sep 7, 2015 · Modified: Jan 17, 2023 by Kushi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Spicy Basil Tofu or Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry is delicious and flavorful dish prepared using tofu, fresh basil leaves and sauces. This dish tastes the best when served with steamed rice.

    Spicy basil tofu recipe, basil tofu stir fry

    One of the best and simple tofu and fresh basil leaves recipe for your vegetarian or vegan weeknight meal or weekend dinner. This dish is not only easy to make but also very tasty that you will only crave for more and more.

    I always prefer tofu over paneer. Tofu is gluten-free and low in calorie. It is an excellent source of plant based  protein, iron, and calcium and contains no cholesterol. It is made from soybean curds.

    What type of tofu is best for stir fry?

    Extra firm tofu is what I use in most of my recipes. It has least amount of liquid and always gives crispy and firm texture on the outside and meaty like on the inside which will make you fall in love with tofu.

    I am not a big fan of soft tofu or silken tofu. Firm tofu is OK but I must say Extra firm tofu is the best. 

    How do you press tofu for stir fry or to get that cripsy texture on the outside?

    Remove as much liquid as possible from tofu to make it more crispier. To do this you will have to place weight on tofu. Keep some paper towels on plate. Wrap the tofu block in paper towel. Place another plate or cutting board on top of this and place heavy item on like bowl of water or canned items. keep this aside for 15 minutes.

    How long will tofu stir fry last?

    Stir fries are best when prepared fresh and served immediately. if there are any leftovers, you can place them in fridge in air tight container for 3 days.

    How to serve tofu stir fry?

    Tofu stir fry tastes great with steamed white rice, brown rice or even with noodles.

    Some of the best, simple, quick and easy tofu recipes or paneer recipes for your vegetarian or vegan meal (lunch or dinner) weekend or weeknight
    • Fried Tofu With Thai Special sauce
    • Palak Paneer (Tofu in Spinach Sauce)
    • Honey Sriracha Tofu
    • Tofu Tikka Masala (Paneer Tikka Masala)
    • Tofu Bhurji (Tofu Scramble)
    • Fried Tofu With Peanut Sauce
    • Spicy Pad Phed Tofu
    • Spicy Pan Seared Tofu With Kumquat Sauce
    • Babycorn Mushroom Tofu Chilli
    • Sweet & Sour Tofu with roasted cashews
    • Easy & Delicious Asparagus Stir Fry

    Preparation time : 25 minutes
    Serves : 2

    thai style spicy basil tofu stir fry recipe

    Ingredients for Spicy Basil Tofu or Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry or Spicy Paneer

    Extra Firm Tofu or Paneer - 14 oz ( 1 block)
    Onion chopped - 1
    Garlic cloves - 6
    Green chilli - 2 to 3 (adjust to taste)
    Ginger grated - 1 inch
    Fresh Basil leaves - ½ cup
    Soya Sauce - 1 to 2  tsp
    Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp*
    Red pepper flakes - 1 tsp
    Dried basil leaves - 1 tsp
    Tomato ketchup - 1 tbsp
    Sriracha chili sauce - 1 tsp
    Brown sugar - 1 tsp
    Red chile powder - ½ teaspoon (optional)
    Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp
    Salt to taste

    Steps to prepare Spicy Basil Tofu or Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry or Spicy paneer
    • Heat oil in non-stick pan. Cut the tofu into desired shape. Stir-fry the tofu till it develops some color.
    • Using pestle and mortar nicely crush the garlic and green chilli.
    • Once the tofu is developed some color, add onion, ginger and crushed garlic, green chilli to the pan and saute till they become light in color.
    • Now add soya sauce, Worcestershire sauce red pepper flakes, dried basil leaves, ketchup, sriracha chilli sauce, salt to taste, brown sugar, red chilli, mix well and saute for about 2 minutes.
    • Chop and add the fresh basil leaves. Mix well. Switch off the flame.
    • Spicy basil Tofu is now ready. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy.

    Tip:

    • Vary the amount of green chilies as per your taste.
    • I have combined both dried and fresh basil leaves. You can also use any one of them.
    • Vary all the ingredients, specially the sauces to taste. This is very flexible recipe. Any change in the ingredient quantity will change the taste of the dish but it will be unique and flavorful.
    • You can even add veggies like mushroom, broccoli, spinach for this recipe.
    • Use extra firm tofu for for crispy and firm texture on the outside.

    *I have used a vegan / vegetarian version of Worcestershire sauce. Make sure you check the ingredient list in the sauce before you use it

    Recipe card

    best and easy thai basil tofu stir fry recipe

    SPICY BASIL TOFU | THAI BASIL TOFU STIR FRY | SPICY PANEER

    Kushi
    Spicy Basil Tofu or Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry is delicious and flavorful dish prepared using tofu, fresh basil leaves and sauces. This dish tastes the best when served with steamed rice. One of the best recipe using paneer or tofu and fresh basil leaves for lunch or dinner.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Course appetizers, Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
    Cuisine Asian, Thai
    Servings 6
    Calories 533 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 oz Extra Firm Tofu or Paneer (1 block)
    • 1 Onion, chopped
    • 6 Garlic cloves
    • 2 to 3 Green chilies
    • 1 inch Ginger
    • ½ cup Fresh basil leaves
    • 1 to 2 teaspoon Soya Sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce *
    • 1 teaspoon Dried pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon Dried basil leaves
    • 1 tablespoon Tomato ketchup
    • 1 teaspoon Sriracha or any chili sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Brown sugar or sugar
    • ½ teaspoon Red chile powder (optional)
    • 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil or Cooking oil
    • Salt, to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oil in non-stick pan. Cut the tofu into desired shape. Stir-fry the tofu till it develops some color on both sides on medium to medium high heat.
    • Meanwhile, Using pestle and mortar nicely crush the garlic and green chilies.
    • Once the tofu is developed some color, add onion, ginger and crushed garlic, green chilli to the pan and sauté till they become light in color.
    • Now add all ingredients one after another - soya sauce, Worcestershire sauce red pepper flakes, dried basil leaves, ketchup, sriracha chilli sauce, salt to taste, brown sugar, red chilli, toss and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Chop and add the fresh basil leaves. Mix well. Switch off the flame.
    • Spicy basil Tofu or Spicy Thai Basil tofu stir fry or Spicy paneer is now ready. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy.

    Notes

    • Vary the amount of green chilies as per your taste.
    • I have combined both dried and fresh basil leaves. You can also use any one of them.
    • Vary all the ingredients, specially the sauces to taste. This is very flexible recipe. Any change in the ingredient quantity will change the taste of the dish but it will be unique and flavorful. 
    • You can even add veggies like mushroom, broccoli, spinach for this recipe.
    • Use extra firm tofu for for crispy and firm texture on the outside.  
    *I have used a vegan / vegetarian version of Worcestershire sauce. Make sure you check the ingredient list in the sauce before you use it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 533kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 69gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 735mgPotassium: 1494mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 306mgIron: 11mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you like this tofu or paneer recipe,

    Don't miss to check out other delicious bread and flatbread, curry and gravy recipes

    Pita Bread - vegan Flatbread

    Pita Bread

    Garlic Naan Bread

    Garlic Naan Bread

    Best ghee rice recipe, jeera rice, Indian rice dishes, dinner ideas, vegetarian meal, brown butter recipes

    Ghee rice or brown butter rice

    Thai roti bread, tofu scramble, paneer bhurji recipes for dinner , lunch

    Thai roti bread with tofu scramble

    Vegan rumali Roti Bread, vegan flatbread, Indian  bread recipes, roti and naan, naan and curry, popular indian food recipes

    Vegan Rumali Roti Bread

    palak paneer, tofu in spinach sauceMushroom Butter Masala, paneer Butter masala, Best paneer and mushroom recipes Indian

    Palak paneer (Tofu in spinach sauce)

    For more recent updates, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

    ***Click below to save it on Pinterest***

    Spicy Basil Tofu or Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry is delicious and flavorful dish prepared using tofu, fresh basil leaves and sauces. #tofurecipes #paneerrecipes #vegandinner #vegetarianmeal #vegantofu #healthytofu

    More Easy Lunch and Dinner Recipes (Quick+Healthy)

    • Easy dal methi khichdi. Indian comfort food for lunch and dinner.
      Easy Methi Khichdi Recipe
    • Steamed Vegetables or Veggie platter with easy and spicy cashew dip.
      Steamed Vegetables with Cashew Dip
    • Protein Vegetarian Salad with Soya Granules & Paneer Dressing is a high-protein salad for any meal.
      Protein Vegetarian Salad with Soya Granules
    • Vegetable Salad with Ranch Dressing | Healthy Salad Ideas | Homemade Salad Dressing.
      Vegetable Salad with Ranch Dressing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alboni

      August 07, 2016 at 11:18 pm

      Your platting is stunning .... good recipe !!!

      Reply
      • Kushi

        August 08, 2016 at 12:53 am

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    2. swati pathak

      August 08, 2016 at 11:49 pm

      Love tofu! Looks delicious...

      Reply
      • Kushi

        August 10, 2016 at 9:48 pm

        Thank you Swati 🙂

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 13 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Sridevi! I am a Software Engineer by qualification, a full-time Food Blogger by passion, a self-published Author, and a happy person two kids (monsters) ago.

    More about me →

    Best Casseroles

    • green bean casserole recipe from scratch with fresh beans, and fried onions, without mushroom soup
      Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Thanksgiving and Christmas Green Beans

    • cheesy corn casserole served in a baking pan along with a slice of toasted bread.
      Baked Corn Cheese Casserole | Cheesy Creamed Corn

    Chicken Recipes

    • Best, simple and authentic Indian butter chicken recipe (murgh makhani) with naan, roti, chapati.
      Indian Butter Chicken Recipe | Best Chicken Makhani

    • Best and easy chicken pulao with spicy and flavorful chicken thigh and drumsticks.
      Easy Chicken Pulao | Spicy One Pot Chicken Rice Pilaf

    See more Chicken recipes →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    Lists the popular websites in which cookwithkushi.com was featured.

    Copyright © 2024 Cook With Kushi

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.