Are you craving a mouthwatering vegetarian dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand? Look no further! This Thai Basil Tempeh Stir Fry is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of crispy tempeh, aromatic basil, and bold Thai-inspired flavors that will make your weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly easy yet restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just half an hour!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g tempeh, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegan)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting tempeh into 1/2-inch cubes and slicing red bell pepper into thin strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce to create a marinade. Add tempeh cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat, allowing to sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add marinated tempeh to the pan, reserving any remaining marinade. Stir-fry tempeh for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- Add sliced red bell pepper to the wok and continue stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes until pepper is slightly tender but retains a crisp texture.
- Pour reserved marinade over the tempeh and peppers, stirring to coat and create a glossy finish.
- Remove from heat and immediately fold in fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing their aromatic flavor to release but not wilt completely.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the tempeh sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or large skillet and maintain medium-high heat to achieve those perfect crispy tempeh edges.
- Preserve Basil's Freshness: Add Thai basil leaves at the very end of cooking to maintain their bright color and intense aroma.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens quickly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to ensure each ingredient gets properly caramelized.
- Customize Your Spice: Add a few red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha if you want to kick up the heat.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh Thai basil if possible - it makes a world of difference in the final flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
