Say hello to your new favorite Meatless Monday recipe, because Basil Tofu with Green Beans is the ultimate plant-based crowd-pleaser. I try to eat a fair amount of plant-based meals and tofu is one of my favorite plant-based protein sources. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it is loaded with nutrients and super easy to prepare.
From this crave-worthy Hoisin Tofu Bowl to this delicious Tofu Cauliflower Fried Rice, I have certainly met my fair share of amazing tofu recipes. That being said, Basil Tofu with Green Beans is easily one of my all-time favorites.
This delicious vegetarian-friendly recipe is a play on one of my favorite take-out dishes. It’s made simply with tofu, fresh basil, lemon, green beans, onions, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s packed with beneficial nutrients and comes together in under 30 minutes for the ultimate healthy weeknight meal. It's also delicious with chicken.
This Basil Tofu is the perfect dish for whipping up during the week when you don’t have the time or energy for something extravagant. Trust me when I say that as easy as this dish is to make, it certainly tastes like it takes way more effort than it does!
You can serve this dish on its own for a low-carb meal or pair it with a bowl of brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome and satisfying meal. I highly recommend making extras to eat for lunch throughout the week—you won’t regret it!
What is Tofu?
Tofu is a type of plant-based protein that is made from condensed soy milk. It is naturally gluten-free and super low in calories, making it a nutrient-dense source of plant-based protein. Because tofu is so mild in flavor, it can be easily adapted to fit into any kind of flavor profile you want. This is part of what makes it such a popular option for vegans and people looking to eat more plant-based dishes.
Another bonus is that tofu is incredibly easy to work with and prepare in different ways. It can be stir fried, roasted, grilled, sautéed, scrambled, pan-fried, or eaten raw. It is a great way of adding some delicious protein to salads, grain bowls, soups, stews, and noodle dishes.
Key Ingredients
To make this healthy basil tofu, you will need the following key ingredients:
- Extra firm tofu. Soft, silken, and regular tofu all have too much water, which can cause your stir fry to get soggy. To avoid soggy stir fry, stick to firm or extra firm tofu.
- Green beans. This is my go-to veggie of choice or this dish, but you can really use any veggie you have in the fridge. Other great options include broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Soy sauce. This sauce lies at the heart of every good stir fry dish. To keep the sodium level down, I like to use low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free dish, feel free to swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Basil. Fresh basil lends a ton of flavor to this delicious tofu dish. For the best results, I highly recommend sticking to fresh basil and not using the dried version.
- Lemon. The juice and zest of lemon are both used to brighten up this dish and enhance the flavors of the rest of the ingredients.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Want to make the best basil tofu? Of course, you do! Here are some of my top tips and tricks to turn that dream into a reality:
- Switch up your protein. Not keen on tofu? That is totally fine. This dish tastes great with chicken, beef, or shrimp. To continue down the plant-based route, try using mushrooms or chickpeas instead.
- Press your tofu. In order to achieve delicious tofu that isn’t soggy, it’s crucial that you press your tofu with a heavy object (like a frying pan) for about 15-20 minutes before serving. To do this, lay paper towels on top of the tofu and then gently lay the pan on top of that.
- Add some nuts. For a really nice crunch and nutty flavor, try adding some chopped nuts to the dish just before serving it. Peanuts and cashews both work well.
How to Serve Basil Tofu
This healthy basil tofu dish tastes absolutely drool-worthy on its own as a low-carb meal. However, if you’re looking for a more filling meal, here are some of my serving recommendations:
- With grains. Nothing beats serving this classic stir fry dish with a simple bowl of rice. I like using brown rice for an extra boost of fiber, but you could use white rice or quinoa as well. For a low-carb option, try using cauliflower rice.
- With noodles. For another take on a classic dish, try serving Basil Tofu with Green Beans alongside a bowl of noodles. I recommend these Sesame Soba Noodles with Fresh Vegetables or these Asian Zucchini Noodles for a low-carb version.
- With egg rolls. What stir fry dish doesn’t taste absolutely incredible alongside some fresh egg or spring rolls? I recommend these delicious Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce for a show-stopping flavor pairing.
How to Store Basil Tofu with Green Beans
Because this dish is so easy to make and stores so well, it makes a great meal prep recipe. Before storing this dish (and any other dish, really) make sure to let it cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, you can transfer your leftovers to an airtight storage container and store it in one of two ways:
- In the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- In the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
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