Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

This Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors to your table. The combination of crispy tofu and a rich, creamy sauce creates a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Its unique blend of spices makes it an exceptional choice for both tofu lovers and those new to plant-based dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with benefits that make it a must-try!

• Flavor Explosion: The creamy coconut sauce mixed with sambal oelek and red curry paste creates an irresistible taste that excites your palate.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over jasmine rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich tofu and nutritious spices, this recipe is not only tasty but also good for you.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the sambal oelek to suit your spice preference, making it perfect for everyone at your table.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this spicy tofu dish easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: This helps achieve perfectly crispy tofu without sticking or burning.
• Skillet: Ideal for cooking the sauce evenly and ensuring all ingredients blend well together.

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

• 20 to 22 ounces super firm or firm tofu (see notes for preparation details)
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any oil)
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (see notes)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons sambal oelek/ulek (adjust for spice level; see notes)
• 4 teaspoons red curry paste (see notes)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut or brown sugar (see notes)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt; adjust as needed)

For Garnish

• Scallions
• Red pepper flakes
• Toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Remove the tofu from its package. If using super firm tofu, pat it dry gently. Slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes. For extra-firm tofu, wrap it in paper towels or muslin cloth, place on a plate, and weigh down with another plate. Let sit for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture before cutting into cubes.

Step 2: Pan Fry the Tofu

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the tofu. Fry each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping as necessary. Aim to fry all sides until they are nicely browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook while stirring frequently for about 4–5 minutes until they soften. Add minced ginger next, cooking it until fragrant—around 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in full-fat coconut milk along with sambal oelek, red curry paste, coriander (if using), salt, and sugar. Increase heat to medium-high and let simmer for about 3–4 minutes until well combined.

Step 5: Finish It Off

Turn off the heat once done simmering. Carefully add the fried tofu into the skillet, stirring gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Transfer everything into a serving dish.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your spicy tofu with scallions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy hot alongside jasmine rice and your choice of roasted asparagus or blanched broccoli!

How to Serve Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

This Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Over Jasmine Rice

• Serve the spicy tofu atop a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a complete meal that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.

In a Buddha Bowl

• Combine the tofu with grains, greens, and fresh veggies for a nourishing Buddha bowl. This adds texture and nutrition to your dish.

With Noodles

• Toss the spicy tofu with rice noodles or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired twist. The creamy sauce coats the noodles perfectly.

As a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap the spicy tofu along with fresh veggies. This creates a fun handheld option that’s easy to eat.

On a Salad

• Add crispy tofu cubes to your favorite salad for added protein and flavor. The coconut sauce can double as a dressing.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair the spicy tofu with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

To elevate your dish, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your spicy tofu recipe.

• Press the Tofu: Removing excess moisture helps achieve that crispy texture you want when frying.

• Adjust Spice Level: Taste your sambal oelek before adding it to determine how much heat you desire in the dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shallots and ginger enhance the overall flavor profile of your creamy coconut sauce.

• Garnish Generously: Adding scallions, red pepper flakes, or toasted sesame seeds not only looks appealing but also adds layers of flavor.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables to the dish for extra nutrients and color.

• Store Properly: Leftover spicy tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your spicy tofu can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Roasted Asparagus – Toss asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast until tender and slightly crispy.

2. Blanched Broccoli – Quickly blanch broccoli florets in boiling water; this keeps them bright green and crunchy.

3. Coconut Quinoa – Cook quinoa in coconut milk for added creaminess that complements the main dish perfectly.

4. Thai Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad made from thinly sliced cucumbers, lime juice, and herbs; it balances out the spiciness.

5. Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Sauté bok choy with garlic and ginger until just wilted for a flavorful green side.

6. Garlic Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice cooked with garlic makes an excellent base for soaking up any remaining sauce.

7. Sweet Potato Wedges – Baked sweet potato wedges offer a sweet contrast that pairs well with spicy flavors.

8. Mango Salad – A light salad featuring ripe mango slices tossed in lime juice adds sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your recipe turns out perfectly.

• Not pressing the tofu: If you use extra-firm tofu without pressing it, you might end up with soggy pieces. Always press the tofu to remove excess moisture for a crispy texture.

• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many tofu cubes at once can lead to steaming rather than frying. Cook in batches to achieve that golden-brown crispiness.

• Ignoring spice levels: Different brands of sambal oelek have varying heat levels. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly for the perfect spice balance in your sauce.

• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes like scallions and sesame seeds add flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip these; they elevate the dish significantly!

• Using low-quality coconut milk: The richness of your sauce depends on the quality of coconut milk used. Opt for full-fat canned coconut milk for the best creamy consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• To freeze, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
• You can store it for up to 2 months; just be aware that tofu may change texture upon thawing.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce?

Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a flavorful dish featuring crispy tofu cubes coated in a rich coconut sauce spiced with sambal oelek and red curry paste.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! This recipe is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tofu and coconut milk.

How can I customize the spice level?

You can adjust the amount of sambal oelek or red curry paste according to your taste preference. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired heat.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice and vegetables like roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

Can I use other types of tofu?

Absolutely! You can use firm or extra-firm tofu, but super firm requires no pressing and provides the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether served over rice or alongside fresh veggies, this dish is sure to impress! Give it a try today!

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