The most flavorful tofu dish with Thai-inspired flavors. This dish is packed with fresh basil and salty/sweet flavors.
This Thai-Inspired Basil Tofu is packed with delicious umami flavors and is super simple to make. This is the perfect meal-prep dish!
This dish is packed with flavor.
- Heat from red pepper flakes, paprika, and black pepper.
- Sweetness from brown sugar.
- Freshness from fresh Thai basil and lime.
- Umami from mushrooms, soy sauce, and vegan oyster sauce.
This dish is inspired by Thai Beef which traditionally contains beef, different varieties of chilies, garlic, and soy sauce, such as in this recipe.
How to Make Thai-Inspired Basil Tofu:
- In a shallow baking dish, whisk together tamari, brown sugar, paprika, and black pepper. Cut tofu into small cubes and toss in marinade. Let sit for 20 minutes, flip, then 20 minutes more. Store in fridge while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat 2 tbsp of neutral-flavored oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, mushrooms, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Thai chilies (if using). Cook for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent and soft. Roughly crumble in marinated tofu with your hands. Cook for 5 minutes more on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir into tofu to combine. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in Thai basil and lime juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes until basil has cooked down. Season with salt (I added about ½ tsp, adjust per preference), if desired.
- Serve basil tofu with fresh lime and dash of red pepper flakes.
Why you’ll love this Thai-Inspired Basil Tofu:
- Savory & delicious. This Thai-Inspired Basil Tofu is packed with delicious umami flavors from soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, tofu, and mushrooms.
- Simple & easy. This recipe comes together in several simple steps and is the perfect meal prep idea!
- Healthy & nutritious. High in protein and fiber from the tofu, rice, and mushrooms!
If you’re looking for more delicious tofu dishes, you’ll also love this Crispy Five Spice Tofu with Cabbage, these Lemon Peanut Noodles w/ Crispy Tofu, and these Shawarma-Spiced Tofu Pita Wraps.
Also, if you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram don’t forget to tag me @healthienut + #healthienut! I love seeing your mouthwatering recreations!
The most flavorful tofu dish with Thai-inspired flavors. This dish is packed with fresh basil, the perfect dose of heat and mending of flavors.
- 14 oz. firm tofu, pressed and drained
- ⅓ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- ½ tsp smoked sweet paprika
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp neutral-flavored oil
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 cup finely diced crimini mushrooms
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- (Optional) 3 Thai chiles, finely minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups fresh Thai basil, chiffoned
- 2 tbsp lime juice
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In a shallow baking dish, whisk together tamari, brown sugar, paprika, and black pepper. Cut tofu into small cubes and toss in marinade. Let sit for 20 minutes, flip, then 20 minutes more. Store in fridge while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
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Heat 2 tbsp of neutral-flavored oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, mushrooms, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Thai chilies (if using). Cook for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent and soft. Roughly crumble in marinated tofu with your hands. Cook for 5 minutes more on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Add soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir into tofu to combine. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in Thai basil and lime juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes until basil has cooked down. Season with salt (I added about ½ tsp, adjust per preference), if desired.
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Serve basil tofu with fresh lime and dash of red pepper flakes.
