Zesty Tofu with Silky Coconut Sauce Recipe: Spice It Up!

Nestled within the vibrant world of plant-based cuisine, this spicy tofu with creamy coconut sauce delivers a knockout punch of flavor.

Crispy tofu cubes dance in a luscious, velvety coconut sauce that sparks culinary excitement.

Bold spices weave through each bite, creating a harmonious balance of heat and richness.

The dish emerges as a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.

Texture meets intensity in this weeknight marvel that transforms ordinary tofu into something spectacular.

Packed with aromatic herbs and a seductive warmth, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food.

Dive into this sensational plate and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey.

Fun Ways To Serve Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

• Tropical Dinner Plate Pairing: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice for a complete meal that soaks up the delicious spicy sauce and adds extra texture.
• Veggie Power Boost: Top with fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to enhance visual appeal and add crunchy layers of flavor.
• Summer Side Companion: Pair with a cool cucumber salad dressed in light rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the spicy tofu's heat and provide a refreshing contrast on the plate.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Option: Pack in a meal prep container with separated compartments to keep the tofu crispy, ready to enjoy as a quick and satisfying work or school lunch that stays deliciously warm.

Storage Guide For Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

• Quick Refrigeration: Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the crispy texture by placing a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze individual tofu portions in sealed freezer bags for maximum 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain best quality and taste.
• Reheating Technique: Warm chilled tofu in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning gently to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to refresh the golden exterior.
• Sauce Separation Tip: Keep coconut sauce separately in a sealed container, refrigerated for up to 2 days. Stir well before reheating to restore smooth consistency and prevent separation of ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

• Tofu: Firm, protein-packed canvas for absorbing bold flavors, choose fresh block with minimal water content for crispiest texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates magical crispy coating that seals in tofu's moisture and delivers delightful golden crunch.
• Salt: Enhances tofu's natural taste and helps seasoning adhere perfectly.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides high-heat cooking medium for achieving gorgeous golden-brown tofu exterior, select neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point like canola or sunflower.

Tools You’ll Use For Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for coating tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt.
• Non-Stick Skillet or Wok: Perfect for achieving crispy, golden tofu with even heat distribution.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting tofu into precise 1-inch cubes.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping tofu.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps flip tofu gently and prevent sticking during cooking.
• Paper Towels: Useful for patting tofu dry before coating.

How To Cook Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

• Tofu Preparation

Carefully drain and blot tofu using clean kitchen towels, ensuring maximum moisture removal for perfect crispiness.

• Coating Magic

Gently tumble tofu cubes in a light dusting of cornstarch and a whisper of sea salt, creating a delicate protective layer that promises a golden, crunchy exterior.

• Sizzling Transformation

Fire up a heavy-bottomed skillet with a generous splash of oil, allowing it to reach a shimmering, hot state. Carefully introduce tofu cubes, letting them dance and sizzle until each side transforms into a gorgeous, caramel-colored crunch. Once achieved, transfer these crispy gems to a waiting plate, ready for their next culinary adventure.

Tips To Boost Flavor In Spicy Tofu With Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

• Tofu Texture Triumph: Pat the tofu extra dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess during cooking. The drier the tofu, the better the golden-brown exterior.
• Spice Level Flexibility: Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of chili sauce or adding fresh chopped chilies. For mild preferences, use less spicy ingredients, while heat lovers can amp up the kick with additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily transform this dish by replacing tofu with chicken, shrimp, or tempeh for different dietary needs. Each protein will absorb the creamy coconut sauce differently, creating unique flavor profiles.
• Dietary-Friendly Modifications: Make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring cornstarch is certified gluten-free. For a vegan version, confirm all sauce ingredients are plant-based and skip any animal-derived additions.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Cube and cornstarch-coat the tofu ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This technique saves cooking time and allows the tofu to develop a more intense flavor before frying.

Silky Tofu With Coconut Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Spicy tofu with creamy coconut sauce delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in a quick weeknight meal. Home cooks can easily craft this protein-packed dish with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

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• 1 block (14 oz/400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 3 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps red curry paste (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (14 oz/400ml) coconut milk (full-fat or light)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

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Instructions

1. Tofu Preparation: Meticulously remove moisture from tofu block using clean kitchen towels, creating an ideal surface for achieving a crispy exterior.
2. Searing Process: Heat non-stick skillet over medium-high temperature, coating pan with a thin vegetable oil layer to generate a perfect golden crust; gently coat tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt for enhanced texture and seasoning.
3. Browning Technique: Strategically place tofu cubes in hot pan, ensuring sufficient spacing to promote uniform caramelization; rotate pieces systematically to develop a rich, amber-colored crisp exterior that promises a delightful crunch.
4. Oil Management: Transfer perfectly seared tofu to paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining the desired crispy texture.
5. Coconut Sauce Creation: Combine coconut milk, chili paste, garlic, and ginger in a separate saucepan, whisking ingredients to create a smooth, vibrant sauce with balanced heat and creaminess.
6. Final Assembly: Gently drizzle warm coconut sauce over crispy tofu cubes, garnishing with fresh cilantro and green onions to elevate visual appeal and introduce fresh herbal notes.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly blot tofu to remove excess water, which prevents soggy texture and ensures crispy, golden-brown edges during cooking.
• Uniform Cutting: Slice tofu into consistent 1-inch cubes to guarantee even cooking and professional-looking presentation on the plate.
• Cornstarch Coating Technique: Gently tumble tofu in cornstarch and salt to create a light, protective layer that enhances crispiness and helps seal in flavor.
• Heat Control Essential: Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the tofu’s interior soft and tender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 26 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg