Sizzling Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delectable spicy tofu with creamy coconut sauce can transport you to a world of culinary delight.

Fragrant herbs and bold spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds.

Silky tofu absorbs the rich, velvety coconut sauce like a sponge, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Layers of complexity emerge with each bite, blending heat and comfort in perfect harmony.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Crisp textures and vibrant colors make this dish a feast for the senses.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that proves plant-based meals can be absolutely irresistible.

What Makes Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce Special

• Craft Crispy Tofu Texture: Pan-frying transforms bland tofu into a delightfully golden, crunchy exterior that adds exciting contrast to the creamy coconut sauce.
• Master Versatile Weeknight Meal: This recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences, making it perfect for busy families seeking a quick, nutritious dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Customize Spice Adventure: The combination of sambal oelek, red curry paste, and optional red pepper flakes allows home cooks to dial up or tone down heat levels according to personal taste preferences.
• Boost Nutrition Profile: Plant-based protein from tofu, combined with heart-healthy coconut milk and aromatic spices, creates a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients and vibrant flavors.

What You’ll Need For Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Tofu: A versatile soy-based protein that absorbs flavors and provides a meaty texture in this spicy dish.

• Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil: Essential for frying tofu and creating a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.

• Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, luxurious base that adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Sambal Oelek, Red Curry Paste: Delivers a powerful, spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Shallots, Ginger: Key ingredients that build a deep, complex flavor foundation for the sauce.

• Salt, Sugar, Coriander: Balanced seasonings that enhance and round out the dish's taste.

• Scallions, Red Pepper Flakes, Toasted Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that add color, texture, and extra layers of flavor.
• Jasmine Rice, Roasted Asparagus, Broccoli: Recommended accompaniments that complete the meal.

Step-By-Step Guide For Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Tofu

Drain tofu from its package. For super firm tofu, pat dry and slice into cubes. If using extra-firm tofu, press moisture out by wrapping in clean cloth, placing on a plate, and weighing down with another plate for 20 minutes. Slice into uniform cubes after pressing.

Step 2: Create Crispy Exterior

Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place tofu cubes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sprinkle with salt. Fry for 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and repeat. Cook at least 4 sides of each cube until evenly crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

• Shallots
• Minced ginger

Cook shallots for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add ginger and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Develop Sauce Flavors

• Coconut milk
• Sambal oelek
• Red curry paste
• Coriander
• Salt
• Sugar

Increase heat to medium-high and simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring to combine ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Turn off heat. Gently toss crispy tofu into the sauce, ensuring even coating. Transfer to serving dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped scallions
• Red pepper flakes
• Toasted sesame seeds

Serve immediately alongside jasmine rice and roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Maximize Tofu Crispiness: Pat tofu thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior when pan-frying.
• Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick pan and avoid overcrowding to achieve evenly browned tofu cubes with a crunchy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices like red curry paste briefly in oil before adding coconut milk to enhance their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavors.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify sambal oelek and red pepper flakes to personalize heat intensity, making the dish mild or extra spicy according to your preference.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce at medium-high heat to reduce and thicken, creating a rich, creamy coating that clings perfectly to crispy tofu cubes.

Tasty Variations Of Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Protein Swap: Replace tofu with tempeh, seitan, or chicken for a different protein experience.
• Vegan Coconut Curry: Eliminate animal proteins, use extra-firm tofu, and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure curry paste is gluten-free, and serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce sambal oelek and red curry paste for mild heat, or increase for extreme spiciness. Add fresh chili peppers for more complex heat profile.

What Goes Well With Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Cool Down with Crisp Riesling: Pair this spicy tofu dish with a chilled, slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the heat and complements the creamy coconut sauce.
• Enhance with Herbal Cucumber Salad: Create a light, cooling cucumber salad with fresh dill and mint to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spicy tofu.
• Match with Bright Thai Beer: Select a light Thai beer like Singha or Chang, which cuts through the dish's richness and echoes the Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Balance with Ginger Lemonade: Craft a homemade ginger lemonade with sparkling water to offer a zesty, cooling beverage that harmonizes with the tofu's spicy notes.

How To Store Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce and tofu separate to maintain crispiness.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
• Place tofu and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Warm the tofu in a skillet over medium heat with a little coconut oil. Pour the sauce over and gently stir to restore the original texture and prevent the tofu from becoming soggy.

FAQs For Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce

• How do I make the tofu crispy?

Pat the tofu dry thoroughly and use a non-stick pan with enough oil. Fry on medium-high heat, allowing each side to become golden brown without moving it too much. The key is to let it develop a crisp exterior without burning.

• Can I use a different type of chili sauce?

Yes, you can substitute sambal oelek with sriracha, gochujang, or chili garlic sauce. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, so adjust according to your heat preference and taste.

• What if my coconut milk separates?

This is normal. Simply whisk the coconut milk before adding it to the pan, or use full-fat coconut milk which tends to blend more smoothly. If it still separates, continue cooking and stirring, and it should come together.

Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35-38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering “Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce” delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy tofu nestled in silky coconut sauce promises a perfect balance of heat and comfort you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 to 22 ounces (567 to 624 grams) super firm or firm tofu
• 1 cup (160 grams) shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) full-fat canned coconut milk

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons sambal oelek
• 4 teaspoons red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Pinch of kosher salt
• Scallions, sliced
• Red pepper flakes
• Toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare tofu by patting dry and removing excess moisture. For extra-firm varieties, press between towels under weighted plates for 20 minutes.
2. Slice tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
3. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly golden tofu.
4. Carefully arrange tofu cubes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to achieve maximum crispiness.
5. Fry tofu for approximately 3 minutes per side, rotating to create a golden-brown crust on multiple surfaces. Sprinkle with salt during cooking for enhanced flavor.
6. In a separate skillet, warm coconut oil over medium heat to create a fragrant base for the sauce.
7. Sauté shallots until translucent and softened, releasing their subtle sweetness into the cooking oil.
8. Incorporate minced ginger, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking mixture for 30-60 seconds.
9. Pour coconut milk and blend with sambal oelek, red curry paste, coriander, salt, and sugar. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring to develop complex flavors.
10. Remove from heat and gently fold crispy tofu into the creamy coconut sauce, ensuring each cube is evenly coated.
11. Transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh scallions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
12. Accompany with steamed jasmine rice and roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a complete, nutritious meal.

Notes

• Drain tofu thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier exterior when pan-frying.
• Press extra-firm tofu for at least 20 minutes to eliminate water, creating a better texture and allowing more sauce absorption.
• Use a high-heat neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil for achieving golden, crispy tofu without burning.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing sambal oelek or red curry paste for a milder version, perfect for those with sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg