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Delicious Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

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A lively dish of golden, crunchy tofu accompanied by a silken, spiced coconut sauce, providing a perfect balance of heat and comfort.

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 ounces super firm or firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 cup shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1.5 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 2-3 tablespoons sambal oelek
  • 1.5 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1.5-3 teaspoons coconut or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt
  • To taste scallions, thinly sliced
  • To taste red pepper flakes (optional)
  • To taste toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Heat canola or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and sprinkle tofu with kosher salt.
  3. Add tofu to the hot pan in a single layer and cook without moving until bottoms are golden, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  4. Flip tofu pieces and brown the other sides until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
  5. In the same skillet, melt coconut oil over medium heat and add shallots, sautéing until translucent.
  6. Stir in minced ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add red curry paste and sambal oelek, stirring to coat the aromatics for about 1 minute.
  8. Pour in coconut milk, whisk in coconut or brown sugar, ground coriander if using, and kosher salt.
  9. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Return crispy tofu to the skillet, toss to coat evenly, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  12. Serve topped with scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes.

Notes

Press tofu long enough; moisture is the enemy of crispness. Do not crowd the pan for proper browning. Adjust sauce seasoning as it reduces.

  • Author: Sam Razal
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg