Dou Dou (豆豆)
A fragrant, spicy Thai basil stir-fry made with plant-based protein — ready in 15 minutes and bursting with umami. 香气四溢的泰式打拋肉素食版，15分钟上桌，鲜香无比。
📹 Watch the Recipe
Recipe by Daphne Speed
🥘 Why This Recipe Works
Thai basil “pork” (打拋肉 / dǎ pāo ròu) is one of Thailand’s most beloved street foods — quick, spicy, and packed with flavour. This vegan version uses plant-based minced protein that absorbs the signature sauce of soy, chili, and holy basil perfectly.
The key is the combination of Thai sweet soy sauce, fresh chili, and loads of holy basil — it creates that unmistakable aroma that makes this dish so addictive.
This version: 8 ingredients, one pan, 15 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients
| Plant-based minced protein | 250g | TVP, soy chunks, or mock pork |
| Thai holy basil (九层塔) | 1 cup packed | Essential — ordinary basil won’t taste the same |
| Thai chili, sliced (辣椒) | 4-5 | Adjust to spice preference |
| Garlic, minced (蒜) | 4 cloves | Fresh |
| Soy sauce (酱油) | 2 tbsp | Light soy |
| Sweet soy sauce (甜酱油) | 1 tbsp | Or 1 tbsp soy + ½ tbsp sugar |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | For stir-fry |
| Optional: Lime (青柠) | 1 | Squeeze over before serving |
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Rehydrate (if using TVP/dry protein)
- Soak plant-based mince in warm water + 1 tbsp soy sauce for 10 min
- Drain and squeeze out excess liquid
Step 2: Stir-Fry
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat until smoking
- Add garlic and chili — stir-fry 20 seconds
- Add plant-based mince. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy
Step 3: Sauce
- Add soy sauce and sweet soy sauce
- Stir-fry 1 minute until the sauce coats the mince evenly
- If too dry, add 2 tbsp water and let it sizzle
Step 4: Basil & Serve
- Remove from heat
- Fold in holy basil leaves — the residual heat will wilt them perfectly
- Serve immediately over steaming jasmine rice with a fried egg (optional)
💡 Tips
| Can’t find holy basil? | Use Italian basil + a dash of star anise powder — close approximation |
| Not spicy enough? | Add more Thai chilies or drizzle chili crisp at the end |
| Too dry? | Add a splash of water or vegetable broth while stir-frying |
📊 Nutrition
Per serving (serves 2 as main over rice)
~180 cal · Protein: 18g · Carbs: 8g · Fat: 9g · Fiber: 4g
🌱 Why This Dish
Thai basil “pork” (打拋肉 / dǎ pāo ròu) is a staple of Thai street food that has become hugely popular across Asia. The vegetarian version is a brilliant example of how plant-based proteins can capture the essence of a classic dish — the key is in the sauce and the holy basil (九层塔 / jiǔ céng tǎ), which has a unique peppery, anise-like flavour that regular basil simply can’t replicate.
