Print

Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice

Vegan Thai basil fried rice with tofu cooking in a skillet, stirred with a wooden spoon
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This vegan Thai basil fried rice is savory, aromatic, and umami-rich, made with tofu, Thai basil, and pantry-friendly sauces instead of fish sauce.

  • Author: Georgie
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir Frying
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Baked Tofu

  • ½ block extra-firm tofu, cut into bite-size cubes

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1–2 teaspoons neutral oil

  • 1-2 teaspoons vegan chicken bouillon powder (optional, for a more savory flavor)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian or vegan oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce (optional)

Fried Rice

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil

  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 7–8 cloves)

  • ½ cup finely chopped onion

  • ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper

  • 3 cups cooked, day-old rice

  • ½ to 1 cup loosely packed Thai basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Bake the tofu
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the tofu with oil and salt. For a more savory, chicken-like flavor, add the vegan chicken bouillon powder and toss to coat evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until firm and lightly golden.
    Air fryer option: Air fry at 350°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until lightly crisp on the outside. Set aside.

  2. Make the sauce
    In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vegetarian or vegan oyster sauce, brown sugar, and garlic chili sauce if using. Set aside.

  3. Cook the aromatics
    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until lightly golden and fragrant. As soon as the garlic turns light golden, immediately add the onion and bell pepper to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook until the vegetables soften.

  4. Fry the rice
    Add the cooked rice to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over it. Stir and cook until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.

  5. Finish the dish
    Turn off the heat and fold in the Thai basil until just wilted. Add the baked tofu, gently mix everything together, and serve right away.

 

 

Notes

  • Rice: Day-old, fully cooled rice works best for fried rice and helps prevent a mushy texture.

  • Tofu seasoning: Keep the tofu lightly salted to let the Thai basil shine, or add vegan chicken bouillon powder for a deeper, savory flavor.

  • Spice level: Garlic chili sauce is optional and can be reduced or skipped for a milder dish.

  • Basil: Thai basil is ideal for its floral, slightly spicy aroma, but regular basil can be used in a pinch.

Find it online: https://www.myeclecticbites.com/vegan-thai-basil-fried-rice-with-baked-tofu/