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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Tofu Preparation: Meticulously remove moisture from tofu block using clean kitchen towels, creating an ideal surface for achieving a crispy exterior.
- 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.
- 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.
- Oil Management: Transfer perfectly seared tofu to paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining the desired crispy texture.
- 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.
- 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