Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce: A Flavorful Plant-Based Dish

This Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal that’s packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness. The tofu is pan-fried to perfection, giving it a crispy exterior, and then tossed in a rich coconut-based sauce with a kick of sambal oelek and red curry paste. It’s the perfect dish for those who love a little heat and lots of flavor! Serve it with jasmine rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete and hearty meal.

Ingredients:

For the Tofu:

• 20 to 22 ounces super firm or firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or sub any oil)
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 3 to 4 tablespoons sambal oelek (adjust to your spice preference)
• 4 teaspoons red curry paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons coconut or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
• 1 teaspoon (4g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt, adjust as needed)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Tofu:

• Drain the tofu and pat it dry if necessary. Slice it into 1-inch cubes.

2. Pan Fry the Tofu:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
• Place the tofu cubes in the pan, working in batches if necessary. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the tofu.
• Fry the tofu until golden on each side, flipping as needed. Sprinkle additional salt (about ¼ teaspoon per flip) until all sides are golden brown and crispy. You should use about 1 teaspoon of salt in total.
• Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Coconut Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat.
• Add the shallots and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until soft.
• Stir in the minced ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the coconut milk, sambal oelek, red curry paste, coriander (if using), salt, and sugar.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine the Tofu and Sauce:

• Turn off the heat and stir in the fried tofu, making sure each piece is coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.

5. Serve:

• Serve the tofu over a bed of jasmine rice with your choice of vegetables, such as roasted asparagus or blanched broccoli.
• Garnish with scallions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Recipe Notes:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

A Bold and Creamy Tofu Dish

This Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is perfect for those who enjoy the rich flavors of coconut milk paired with a spicy kick. The sambal oelek and red curry paste bring just the right amount of heat, balanced by the creamy coconut milk and aromatic ginger. The tofu, pan-fried to a crisp golden brown, absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Serve this dish with jasmine rice and vegetables for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a plant-based meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the blend of textures and bold flavors in every bite!

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