Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

Spicy tofu revolutionizes ordinary meals into culinary adventures that spark excitement at the dinner table.

Many home cooks seek vibrant, plant-based dishes that tantalize taste buds without complexity.

Robust flavors dance through this recipe, challenging traditional perceptions of vegetarian cuisine.

creamy coconut sauce provides a luxurious counterpoint to the bold, fiery tofu, creating a harmonious balance of heat and smoothness.

Protein-packed ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a satisfying experience for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Intense spices awaken dormant palates, inviting you to embrace a world of unexpected culinary possibilities.

Crafting this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor impact.

Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce: Why It Works

• Burst with Intense Flavor: This spicy tofu dish delivers a knockout punch of taste with its bold combination of sambal oelek, red curry paste, and creamy coconut milk that dance together in perfect harmony.
• Master Crispy Tofu Technique: Pan-frying transforms bland tofu into golden, crispy cubes with a perfectly seasoned exterior that provides an irresistible crunch in every single bite.
• Whip Up a Quick Gourmet Meal: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality flavors without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with different vegetable sides and garnishes, this dish lets you personalize your meal while maintaining its delicious core recipe, perfect for satisfying various taste preferences.

Ingredients for Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Tofu: Firm and protein-rich base for the dish, best when well-drained and patted dry.

• Shallots, Ginger: Fresh aromatics that provide depth and warm flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Sugar: Basic seasonings to balance and enhance overall taste.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that creates rich and smooth sauce texture.
• Sambal Oelek, Red Curry Paste: Spicy condiments that add heat and complex flavor profile.
• Coriander: Optional spice that brings subtle earthy and citrusy notes.

• Coconut Oil, Cooking Oil: Essential for frying tofu and creating smooth sauce base.

• Scallions, Red Pepper Flakes, Toasted Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add visual appeal and texture.
• Jasmine Rice: Neutral base that complements the spicy and creamy tofu.

• Asparagus, Broccoli: Fresh green vegetables that provide nutritional balance and color to the dish.

How to Make Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Tofu Cubes

Drain tofu and gently pat dry with paper towels. Slice into uniform 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Golden Tofu Frying

• Sea salt
• Kosher salt

Fry until edges turn golden brown, flipping occasionally to create crispy exterior. Remove toasted tofu and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Sauce Base

• Finely chopped shallots
• Minced fresh ginger

Sauté until shallots become translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Build Creamy Spicy Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Sambal oelek
• Red curry paste
• Ground coriander
• Salt
• Sugar

Increase heat and simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Combine Tofu and Sauce

Turn off heat. Gently fold fried tofu into sauce, ensuring each cube is luxuriously coated.

Step 6: Elegant Plating

• Roasted asparagus
• Blanched broccoli

• Sliced scallions
• Red pepper flakes
• Toasted sesame seeds

Enjoy this vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together crispy tofu and a creamy, spicy sauce!

Cooking Tips for Creamy Coconut Tofu

• Drain and Press Tofu: Pat tofu extra dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when pan-frying.
• Control Heat Levels: Adjust sambal oelek and red curry paste quantities to match your preferred spice tolerance without losing flavor complexity.
• Achieve Golden Perfection: Use a non-stick pan and medium-high heat to create evenly crispy tofu edges with a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Enhance Sauce Depth: Toast ginger and spices briefly before adding liquid ingredients to release deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce just until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Coconut Tofu

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled tofu and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce and tofu together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel. Warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if the sauce seems too thick. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed, maintaining the tofu's tender texture.

Pairing Ideas for Spicy Coconut Tofu Dish

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Complement the spicy tofu's bold flavors with a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which balance the heat and enhance the coconut sauce's creamy richness.
• Match with Refreshing Beer: Choose a light, citrusy wheat beer or a hoppy pale ale to cut through the dish's spiciness and provide a cooling contrast to the intense flavors.
• Serve with Cooling Side Salad: Create a cucumber and mint salad with a light vinaigrette to offset the dish's heat and provide a fresh, crisp texture that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or Thai basil on top to add a bright, aromatic layer that complements the coconut sauce and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

Creative Variations of Spicy Tofu and Coconut Sauce

• Protein Power Swap: Replace tofu with grilled chicken or tempeh for a different protein base, maintaining the rich coconut sauce and spicy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Transform the dish by using feta cheese, adding kalamata olives, and incorporating oregano to give it a Greek-inspired spin with the same creamy coconut sauce.
• Vegetable Fusion Feast: Expand the recipe by adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant to create a more substantial vegetable-forward meal while keeping the core sauce ingredients intact.
• Seafood Sensation: Substitute tofu with shrimp or white fish, adjusting cooking time to ensure protein is perfectly cooked in the vibrant coconut sauce.

Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy tofu with creamy coconut sauce delivers a bold fusion of Thai-inspired flavors and textures. Silky tofu nestles in a luxurious coconut sauce, promising a memorable culinary adventure that blends heat and richness for hungry palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 to 22 ounces (566 to 624 grams) super firm or firm tofu
• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallots

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons sambal oelek
• 4 teaspoons red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 ½ teaspoons coconut or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)

Cooking Oils:

• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Carefully drain and blot tofu to remove excess moisture, then slice into uniform cubes for even cooking.
2. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfect tofu browning.
3. Gently place tofu cubes into the hot pan, ensuring they do not overlap, and season with salt during the frying process.
4. Rotate tofu pieces methodically, developing a golden-brown exterior with crisp edges, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer crispy tofu to a plate, allowing excess oil to drain while preparing the sauce.
6. In a separate skillet, melt coconut oil and sauté finely chopped shallots until they become translucent and fragrant.
7. Introduce freshly minced ginger, releasing its aromatic essence into the cooking environment.
8. Combine coconut milk, sambal oelek, red curry paste, coriander, salt, and sugar, creating a complex and vibrant sauce.
9. Simmer the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and slightly reduce, developing a rich, creamy consistency.
10. Gently fold the crispy tofu into the sauce, ensuring each cube is lavishly coated with the spicy coconut mixture.
11. Present the tofu atop fluffy jasmine rice, accompanied by roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
12. Garnish with sliced scallions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Tofu Texture Matters: Pat the tofu dry thoroughly to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when pan-frying, preventing excess moisture from making the cubes soggy.
• Salt Strategic Layering: Sprinkle salt gradually during frying to build depth of flavor and create a perfectly seasoned tofu crust.
• Aromatics Boost Flavor: Sauté shallots and ginger until soft to release their essential oils, creating a rich, fragrant base for the creamy coconut sauce.
• Sauce Simmering Secrets: Allow the coconut milk mixture to simmer briefly, helping the spices meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Coating Technique: Gently stir the fried tofu into the sauce, ensuring each cube is evenly and generously covered for maximum flavor absorption.
• Garnish for Texture: Top with toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and red pepper flakes to add crunch, freshness, and an extra layer of spicy complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 0mg