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Braised Tofu with Basil

A comforting and satisfying dish featuring crispy tofu and aromatic basil enveloped in a savory sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Vegetarian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 block firm tofu pressed and cut into squares
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for sautéing
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by pressing the firm tofu for about 15 minutes to eliminate excess moisture. Once it’s been pressed, cut it into bite-sized squares.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Carefully place the tofu squares into the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip each piece to achieve a similar golden hue on the other side—this should take another 3-4 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium, and add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Ensure the tofu is coated well in the sauce and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add in the fresh basil leaves, stirring gently to mix. Allow them to wilt a bit in the heat of the dish—just a couple of minutes will work.
  7. Your Braised Tofu with Basil is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot over a bed of rice or with your favorite flatbread.

Notes

Feel free to swap out firm tofu for extra-firm tofu for a denser texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze for about a month.