A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring crispy tofu stir-fried with bell peppers, chilies, and fresh basil leaves, coated in a savory sauce. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a side dish.
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz/400 g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, sliced (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili paste (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup water
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves:
4 people
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Pat the tofu dry and cut into cubes. Toss with cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and pan-fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, chili paste, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add garlic and chili slices, and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add the bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the tofu to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Add the fresh basil leaves and stir for another minute until the leaves are wilted.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and lime wedges. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
Notes
- Substitute tofu with tempeh or mushrooms for variety.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more chili paste or sliced chilies.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add shrimp or chicken instead of tofu.
Let me know if you’d like more recipes or tips! 😊