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Thai Basil Tofu (Tofu Pad Krapow)

This authentic Thai basil tofu stir-fry features crispy tofu in a savory, spicy sauce with fresh holy basil - a flavorful vegetarian version of the classic Thai dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp oil vegetable or neutral oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Thai chilies thinly sliced, or to taste
  • 1 cup holy basil leaves or Thai basil
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper sliced
  • 1/4 cup onion sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Steamed jasmine rice for serving
  • Fried egg optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Paper towels or clean kitchen towels

Method
 

  1. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes between paper towels or clean kitchen towels with something heavy on top to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water until combined.
  3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  4. Add garlic and Thai chilies to the skillet and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
  5. Add bell pepper and onion to the skillet, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender with a light char on edges.
  6. Return crispy tofu to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until tofu is well-coated and sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. Turn off heat completely and add holy basil leaves, tossing until just wilted from residual heat.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice with a fried egg on top if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water for best texture. Not recommended for freezing as tofu texture changes when frozen and thawed.
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