Description
A delicious and easy vegan dish featuring crispy tofu cubes simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from red chili. Perfect for a flavorful plant-based dinner served over jasmine rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Tofu: Pat the tofu dry thoroughly and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until they are evenly coated, which helps create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the minced ginger, garlic, and red chili or pepper flakes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the coconut milk, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, and brown sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and stir gently to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to ensure the tofu is heated through and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Taste and adjust salt or seasoning if necessary. Serve the spicy tofu warm over jasmine rice or noodles and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired for an added fresh flavor.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy texture, try air-frying or baking the tofu cubes instead of pan-frying.
- Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to increase the nutrient content and color variety in this dish.
- Enhance the heat and flavor depth by substituting or adding chili garlic sauce in the sauce mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
