Description
A vibrant, spicy, and aromatic Thai-inspired stir-fry made with crispy tofu, fresh Thai basil, and a savory-sweet sauce. This quick, plant-based version of the classic Pad Krapow is bursting with bold flavors and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 block firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (use vegan oyster sauce for vegan version)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 cup water
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes while stirring often.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and water. Pour the sauce into the pan, stirring to coat the vegetables.
- Return the crispy tofu to the pan and add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss until the basil wilts and the tofu is coated in sauce, about 1–2 minutes.
- Serve over hot jasmine rice and garnish with lime wedges.
Notes
For extra heat, add more chilies or a spoonful of chili paste.
Substitute red bell pepper with zucchini or green beans for variation.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Top with a fried egg for a more traditional Thai touch if not keeping it vegan.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
