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Coconut Crusted Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce


  • Author: Dulcia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Coconut Crusted Tofu offers a crispy, tropical twist on traditional tofu, with a golden crust of panko and coconut. Paired with a zesty, sweet chili sauce made from coconut cream and pineapple, it’s a flavorful, plant-based treat perfect for any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Coconut Crusted Tofu:
14 ounces extra-firm tofu
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 small lime, juiced
½ tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons cold water
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
¼ cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
½ cup coconut cream (from a 15-oz. can of full-fat coconut milk)
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce


Instructions

Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in paper towels and press to remove excess water. Cut into ½-inch slabs and press again.
Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and coconut sugar. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stir in lime juice and grated ginger.
Marinate the tofu: Place tofu in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, flipping halfway through. Refrigerate your can of coconut milk at this time as well.
Prepare the batter: Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cold water in a bowl to make a batter. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Coat the tofu: After marinating, mix panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut on a plate. Stir the batter (adjusting thickness with water if needed). Dip tofu pieces in the batter, shake off excess, and dredge through the panko-coconut mixture.
Fry the tofu: Heat ¼ cup oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu for about 3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the sauce: Flip the chilled can of coconut milk upside down and open it. Pour off the liquid and scoop ½ cup coconut cream into a blender. Add pineapple juice, lime juice, and chili garlic sauce. Blend until smooth or whisk by hand.
Serve: Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the tofu, and garnish with a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve warm.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350