Inspired by Thai Basil Chicken, this Thai Basil Tofu is crispy, savory, and saucy, making for an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more! Don’t skip the curry cashews! They add an unexpected element and wonderful texture to this dish!

Thai Basil Tofu

Looking for a flavorful, vegan dish that’s bursting with savory goodness? This Thai Basil Tofu with Curry Roasted Cashews is your answer! Inspired by the classic Thai Basil Chicken, or “Pad Kra Pao Gai,” this dish features crispy tofu, a savory sauce, and crunchy curry-spiced cashews. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe will leave you craving more. Grab a drink and lets get to cookin’ the best Thai Basil Tofu with Curry Roasted Cashews!

What is Thai Basil Tofu?

Thai Basil Chicken originates from Thailand and is a common street food dish. It’s traditionally made with ground or thinly sliced chicken stir-fried with garlic, chili, and the star ingredient – Thai holy basil. The dish is typically served over steamed jasmine rice and often topped with a fried egg. The flavors are a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and aromatic, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

My Thai Basil Tofu with Curry Roasted Cashews takes the beloved flavors of Thai Basil Chicken and gives them a vegan twist. Here’s how the inspiration translates into our recipe:

Tofu as a Substitute for Chicken:

Crispy Tofu: We use super-firm or extra-firm tofu, which, when air-fried, provides a satisfying crispy texture that mimics the bite of chicken. The tofu absorbs the flavors beautifully, making it a perfect plant-based alternative.

Thai Basil:

Authentic Flavor: Just like the original, fresh Thai basil is a key ingredient. It infuses the dish with its distinct, peppery, and aromatic notes, ensuring that the essence of the traditional recipe is maintained.

Spices and Aromatics:

Garlic and Chilies: These remain integral to our recipe, providing the signature heat and aroma of Thai Basil Chicken.

Hoisin Sauce and Tamari: These vegan-friendly alternatives to oyster and fish sauces ensure that our dish remains rich in umami and perfectly seasoned.

Additional Elements:

Curry Roasted Cashews: While not traditional, these add an unexpected crunch and a layer of complexity with their spicy and savory coating. This twist enhances the texture and flavor profile, making the dish even more exciting.

By drawing inspiration from Thai Basil Chicken, our Thai Basil Tofu with Curry Roasted Cashews maintains the beloved characteristics of the original while introducing new elements that make it uniquely vegan and delicious. The result is a dish that honors its roots but is adapted to suit a plant-based lifestyle, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.

Ingredients and Substitutions

for a full and detailed list of ingredients, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post

For the Crispy Tofu:

• Super-firm or Extra-firm Tofu: Available at most grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Asian markets. Look for it in the refrigerated section. If you’re not able to get super-firm or extra-firm tofu, firm tofu can be used if super-firm or extra-firm is unavailable; just ensure it is well-pressed to remove excess water.

Curry Roasted Cashews:

• Vegan Butter: Coconut oil or olive oil can be used as a substitute.

Stir Fried Veggies and Sauce:

• Red Bell Pepper: Yellow or orange bell peppers can be used as substitutes.
• Thai Chilies: Crushed red pepper flakes or dried Thai chilies can be used if fresh Thai chiles are unavailable.
• Hoisin Sauce: Available in Asian markets or at most grocery stores, typically in the Asian foods section.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Low-sodium Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Vegan Fish Sauce: Available at health food stores, specialty markets, or online.
• Thai Basil: Available at most Asian markets and many grocery stores, typically in the spice or Asian foods section. If you don’t have access to Thai Basil, you can swap for regular basil.

How to Make Thai Basil Tofu

1. Make the Crispy Tofu:

Cut or tear the tofu into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with the cornstarch and salt. Toss to combine, ensuring each tofu piece is coated in the cornstarch.Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with olive oil. Air fry for about 13-17 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.

Make the Curry Roasted Cashews:

Melt the vegan butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the cashews. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, while stirring, until the cashews are toasted. Season with the curry powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt and tossing to coat. Remove and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Veggies:

Place the oil in the same skillet that you toasted the cashews in over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the white parts of the green onion, bell pepper, garlic and chiles, and sauté until they’re just softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Make the Sauce:

Pour in the vegetable broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vegan fish sauce, and cornstarch slurry. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the sauce thickens, 7 to 8 minutes.

Combine the Ingredients, Serve, and ENJOY!

Add the green parts of the green onion, Thai basil, half of the roasted cashews, and crispy tofu to the skillet. Toss gently until the tofu and cashews are fully coated in the sauce.Serve over rice or noodles with toasted sesame seeds, the remaining roasted cashews, and fresh Thai basil. ENJOY!

Tips and FAQs

• Press the Tofu: If using extra-firm or firm tofu, draining and pressing the tofu ensures it gets extra crispy.
• Don’t Skip the Cashews: The curry roasted cashews add a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Use more or fewer Thai chiles to suit your heat preference.
• Fresh Basil is Key: Fresh Thai basil adds a unique flavor that’s essential to this dish.
• One-Pan Option: To make this dish in one pan, follow the alternate stir-fry directions below.
• Baking Tofu Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tofu for a similarly crispy texture. See alternate directions below.

What Can I Use As a Substitute for Thai Basil?

If you can’t find Thai basil, you can use regular basil, but it will have a slightly different flavor. Another good substitute is holy basil.

Can I Prepare Thai Basil Tofu in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tofu and cashews in advance. Store them separately and combine them with the veggies and sauce just before serving to keep everything crispy and fresh.

Alternate Directions for Stir-Frying or Baking the Tofu:

To stir-fry the tofu, cut or tear the tofu into 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and cook until crispy and golden on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside. Cook the rest of the dish as the directions state.

To bake the tofu, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and golden.

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner!

By drawing inspiration from Thai Basil Chicken, my Thai Basil Tofu with Curry Roasted Cashews maintains characteristics of its original counterpart, while introducing new elements that make it uniquely vegan and delicious. The result is a dish that’s packed with bold and vibrant flavors! If you make this recipe and enjoy it, make sure to leave a comment below!

Thai Basil Tofu with Curry Roasted Cashews

Ashley

Inspired by Thai Basil Chicken, this Thai Basil Tofu is crispy, savory, and saucy, making for an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more! Don’t skip the curry cashews! They add an unexpected element and wonderful texture to this dish!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Lunch/Dinner, Main, Main Course, Vegan

Cuisine Thai-Inspired

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

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Crispy Tofu

• 1 (16-ounce) block of super-firm or extra-firm tofu (if using extra firm tofu, drain and press for 15 to 20 minutes)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Olive oil spray

Curry Roasted Cashews

• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• 1 cup raw and unsalted cashews
• ½ teaspoon each: curry powder, chili powder, and garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Stir Fried Veggies and Sauce

• 2 avocado oil
• 1 bunch green onion, cut into 1-inch sections, white and green parts divided
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 4-5 Thai chiles
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegan fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch, whisked with 2 teaspoons water
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh torn Thai basil, plus more for garnish
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cut the tofu into 1″inch pieces and place in a large bowl with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine, ensuring each tofu piece is coated in the cornstarch.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with olive oil. Air fry for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.
• Meanwhile, for the cashews, melt the butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the cashews. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, while stirring, until the cashews are toasted. Season with the curry powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt and tossing to coat. Remove and set aside.
• Place the oil in the same skillet that you toasted the cashews in over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the white parts of the green onion, bell pepper, garlic and chiles, and sauté until they’re just softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Pour in the broth, hoisin, tamari, vegan fish sauce and cornstarch slurry. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the green parts of the green onion, basil, ½ of the roasted cashews and crispy baked tofu, tossing gently until the tofu and cashews are fully coated in sauce.
• Serve over rice or noodles with toasted sesame seeds, roasted cashews and fresh basil. ENJOY!

Keyword air fryer tofu, crispy tofu recipe, easy vegan dinner, plant-based dinner, thai basil tofu, tofu stir-fry, vegan stir fry recipe, vegan thai recipe

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