Sizzling Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

Comfort meets excitement in this vibrant spicy tofu with creamy coconut sauce that promises a culinary adventure.

Tender cubes of tofu dance with bold, fiery flavors and silky coconut richness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and smoothness that tingles your taste buds.

The sauce wraps around golden-edged tofu pieces, creating a harmonious blend of textures and temperatures.

Weeknight dinners never looked this delectable or felt this effortless.

Vegetarians and spice lovers will rejoice in this simple yet stunning dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Tofu: Silky protein powerhouse that absorbs flavors beautifully, select firm varieties for best texture and choose organic for cleaner taste.

• Shallots, Ginger: Flavor-building duo that adds depth and warmth, select fresh shallots with firm, smooth skin and ginger with smooth, taut skin.
• Red Curry Paste: Spicy flavor concentrate that brings vibrant Southeast Asian complexity, choose authentic Thai brands for genuine taste.
• Coriander: Optional herbal touch that adds subtle earthy notes, use ground or fresh depending on preference.

• Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk: Luxurious base creating rich, velvety sauce, select full-fat coconut milk for maximum creaminess and unrefined coconut oil for deeper flavor.
• Sambal Oelek: Fiery chili paste delivering intense heat, pick authentic Indonesian brands for genuine spiciness.
• Salt, Sugar: Essential balance makers that elevate overall flavor profile, use sea salt for mineral complexity.

• Scallions, Red Pepper Flakes, Toasted Sesame Seeds: Texture and visual pop creators that add freshness and crunch, choose vibrant green scallions and high-quality sesame seeds.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant accompaniment that complements spicy sauce, select Thai jasmine rice for authentic experience.

Tools That Help Prepare Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking the creamy coconut sauce and bringing all flavors together.
• Non-stick pan: Essential for pan-frying tofu to golden, crispy perfection without sticking.
• Chef's knife: Needed to slice tofu into precise 1-inch cubes and chop garnishes.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for tofu preparation and ingredient chopping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and gently mixing tofu with sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, spices, and sugar for balanced flavors.

How to Cook Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Easily

Tofu Adventure

• Tofu Transformation

Create delightful golden cubes by slicing tofu into bite-sized pieces. Pat the tofu gently to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when cooking.

• Golden Sizzle

Heat a skillet with a splash of oil over medium-high temperature. Carefully place tofu cubes, allowing each side to become a beautiful golden brown. Sprinkle a touch of salt to enhance flavor and create a delectable crust.

• Creamy Coconut Magic

In a separate pan, sauté fragrant shallots until they become soft and translucent. Add a hint of ginger for an aromatic kick. Pour in rich coconut milk, blending with spicy red curry paste and a touch of sambal oelek for exciting flavor layers.

• Flavor Fusion

Let the sauce simmer and develop depth, creating a creamy, spicy embrace for the golden tofu cubes. Gently fold the crispy tofu into the luxurious sauce, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated.

• Delicious Presentation

Arrange the saucy tofu over fluffy jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a dash of red pepper flakes for a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that dances with flavor.

Tips to Adjust Heat in Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Replace tofu with chicken, shrimp, or tempeh for a different protein-packed meal that maintains the same vibrant flavor profile.
• Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing sambal oelek and red curry paste. Mild lovers can start with less, while heat seekers can go bold with extra chili elements.
• Opt for extra-firm tofu and press it longer to achieve an even crispier exterior. Pat completely dry before frying to ensure maximum golden crunchiness and prevent oil splattering.
• Prepare tofu and sauce separately up to two days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat and combine just before serving for a convenient weeknight dinner solution.

How to Serve Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Over Rice or Noodles

• Tropical Rice Bowl Delight: Nestle the spicy tofu and creamy coconut sauce over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, creating a colorful and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor.
• Veggie Companion Platter: Arrange roasted asparagus or blanched broccoli alongside the tofu, adding a crisp texture and nutritional boost that complements the rich, spicy sauce.
• Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and a dash of red pepper flakes on top to introduce extra crunch, brightness, and a pop of visual appeal that elevates the entire dish.
• Coconut Feast Enhancement: Drizzle additional coconut sauce over the rice and tofu right before serving to intensify the creamy, spicy profile and ensure each bite is packed with delicious, complex flavors.

Storage Ideas for Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Refrigerator Magic: Store leftover tofu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce and tofu together to maintain maximum flavor and texture.
• Freezer Friendly: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for quick weeknight meals, lasting up to 2 months without losing the dish's delicious coconut sauce intensity.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare tofu and sauce separately during weekly cooking, allowing you to assemble fresh meals quickly and reduce daily kitchen time.
• Flavor Revival Technique: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent the tofu from becoming dry or rubbery.

Vibrant Tofu with Silky Coconut Sauce

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling spicy tofu with creamy coconut sauce brings Asian-inspired flavors to home kitchens. Delicate tofu cubes swim in rich, spiced coconut milk, creating a balanced dish that satisfies with complex layers of heat and comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 to 22 oz (566 to 624 g) super firm or firm tofu
• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 3 to 4 tbsps sambal oelek
• 4 tsp red curry paste
• 2 tbsps minced ginger
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 ½ tsp coconut or brown sugar
• 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ tsp table salt)
• 2 tbsps canola or vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps coconut oil
• Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Tofu Preparation: Drain and blot tofu thoroughly, then slice into uniform cubes for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
2. Tofu Searing: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, carefully arranging tofu cubes to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior without overcrowding the pan.
3. Sauce Foundation: In a separate skillet, sauté shallots and ginger in coconut oil until fragrant, creating an aromatic base for the creamy coconut sauce.
4. Sauce Development: Whisk together coconut milk, sambal oelek, red curry paste, coriander, salt, and sugar, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce, intensifying the flavor profile and creating a velvety consistency.
5. Tofu Integration: Fold the crispy tofu into the spicy coconut sauce, ensuring each cube is lavishly coated and absorbs the rich, complex flavors.
6. Plating and Garnish: Serve the tofu over jasmine rice, accompanied by roasted vegetables, and finish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds to elevate the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Maximize Tofu Texture: Thoroughly drain and pat dry tofu to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and prevents sogginess.
• Sizzle with Precision: Use a non-stick skillet and medium-high heat to create the perfect searing surface for even, crisp tofu browning.
• Sauce Harmony: Balance spicy and creamy elements by carefully blending coconut milk, sambal oelek, and red curry paste for a complex, vibrant flavor profile.
• Garnish for Impact: Elevate the dish with fresh scallions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds to add texture, color, and an extra layer of taste sensation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg