Stir Fried Tofu with Basil (Pad Krapow To Hu)

Thai Translation - Pad = Stir Fried, Krapow = Holy Basil, To Hu

Pad Krapow is a very popular and full flavoured dish that usually is made with pork or chicken. It has a uniue earthy flavour but can also be very spicy. In this version, I made it using tofu, cauliflower and mushrooms which makes it very nutritious and delicious too! The key ingredient to Pad Krapow is krapow – or holy basil. Holy basil can be substituted for regular Italian basil but it wont have the same earthy taste to the dish. You should be able to find holy basil in some supermarkets or specialty Asian grocery stores and it can be identified by the woody stems and slightly furry leaves.

Cooking Time – 15 minutes

Preparation Time – 10 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients

150g block firm tofu

100g oyster or straw mushrooms

100g cauliflower

1 bunch holy basil

4 small red chilli's

4 cloves garlic

2 tsp palm sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp mushroom oyster sauce

1 tsp white pepper

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1/3 cup water

Method

1. Finely chop your tofu into centimeter sized pieces and fry in 1 tbsp vegetable oil until beginning to brown. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
2. Chop your mushrooms and cauliflower into pieces around the same size as the tofu, mince your garlic and chilli and remove the basil leaves from the stems.
3. Heat the remaining oil over medium heat and quick fry a handful of the basil leaves for approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel.
4. In the remaining oil, fry your garlic and chilli for 1-2 minutes. Add your cauliflower and tofu and cook for a few minutes. Add your soy sauce, palm sugar and mushroom oyster sauce and mushrooms. Mix well to combine. Add the water and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Stir through the basil that hasn't been crisped and remove from heat.
6. Serve dish with a side of rice and a sprinkle of crispy basil.