Easy Quick Vegan Stir Fry Basil Tofu (Pad Krapow)
This quick and easy Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry (Pad Krapow) recipe is a flavorful, vegan-friendly meal made with golden brown tofu, garlic, red peppers, and sweet basil. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
🧄 Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper julienned (or any red peppers you have)
- 2 green onions sliced (optional, for garnish)
🧈 Stir Fry Oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or neutral oil like avocado or canola
🍃 Herbs
- 1 ½ cups Thai holy basil leaves or sweet basil/regular basil
- Use lots of fresh basil for that authentic flavor!
🧂 Protein & Dredge
- 1 block 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch for GF option
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🍶 Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon Yondu umami seasoning or vegan oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons hot water to help thin the sauce, optional
🌾 For Serving (Optional)
- Steamed jasmine rice brown rice, or rice noodles
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tofu
- Press your block of tofu using a tofu press or a heavy object wrapped in layers of paper towels to remove excess water. This helps achieve that crispy tofu texture.
- Cut tofu into cubes or strips and toss with seasoned flour for that golden brown crust.
Step 2: Cook the Tofu
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sesame oil and cook tofu until all sides are golden brown and crispy at the edges. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Aromatics
- In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and red peppers until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Create the Stir Fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, Yondu seasoning, and a touch of brown sugar.
- Add this to the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits.
Step 5: Add the Tofu and Basil
- Return tofu to the pan.
- Add lots of fresh Thai basil leaves and stir until wilted and everything is coated in sauce.
- Turn off the heat and let flavors meld.