b'Crispy Tofu Stir-frywith Thai BasilA weeknight vegetarian dinner to satisfy everyoneBY OLIVIA MACK MCCOOLcan (and should!) marinate the tofu ahead of time, up to 24 hours in advance. Im married to a meat & potatoes midwestern-er who would never choose the vegetarian option if given the choice. This crispy tofu stir-fry with Thai basil is one of his favorites. I dont think it dawned on him, when I made it the first time, that it was indeed meatless, because its hearty and doesnt feel as though anything is missing. Who wouldnt love a heaping saucy stir-fry piled onto steamed rice or noodles?Thai basil is a variety of basil youll find in South East Asian cuisine and has a slight minty flavor to it. If youve ever eaten Vietnamese pho youve likely had it. You can find it at Asian grocersI buy mine A s a food person and a mom,wants to cut down on the amount of meat everyonesat Gold Valley in Springfield or Kam Man in East Hanover. Its worth seeking out if youve never tried it, but if you cant find it, regular basil will be just I get asked a lot of cookingconsuming and is looking for meatless entrees.fine. questionsfromfellowpar- Tofu is an obvious plant-based protein choice. ItsRecipe developer, cookbook author, food stylist and lo-ents. A subject that comes upnutritious, economical and easy to find. But it getscal mom Olivia Mack McCool lives in Maplewood. again and again is vegetariana bad rap for being flavorless. I didnt start loving toFor more of her work and recipes, check out her website cooking. Either one membercook tofu until I tried the method which youll readoliviamackmccool.com and follow along on Instagram of the family has decided toin the recipe below. The marinade is flavorful and@oliviamackmccool.start eating vegetarian or whoever is cooking justthe outside is crispy with the help of cornstarch. You CRISPY TOFU STIR-FRY WITH THAI BASILServes 4Crispy Tofu: Stir-fry Sauce: 1 (14 ounce) block of firm tofu1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth2 tablespoons neutral oil cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce2 tablespoons rice wine vinegarteaspoon toasted sesame oil1 teaspoon toasted sesame oilteaspoon granulated garlic (optional)2 large cloves garlic, grated or minced 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch1 (2-inch) piece of ginger, grated or minced 1 tablespoon cornstarch30/ matters magazine / spring 2023'