Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a rich, flavorful dish that combines crispy pan-fried tofu with a spicy and tangy coconut-based sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings together bold flavors from sambal oelek, red curry paste, and coconut milk, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of depth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs well with jasmine rice or vegetables.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 20 to 22 ounces super firm or firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable 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
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sambal oelek (adjust for spice level)
- 4 teaspoons red curry paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons coconut or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced scallions
- Red pepper flakes
- Toasted sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the tofu cubes, sprinkling salt as you go, until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat.
- Add the shallots and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Add minced ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the coconut milk, sambal oelek, red curry paste, coriander, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the pan-fried tofu into the sauce and gently stir to coat the tofu.
- Serve hot, garnished with scallions, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds, if desired. Pair with jasmine rice or vegetables.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 568 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 24.4g
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 30.6g
- Sodium: 1655mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 11g
A Bold Fusion of Flavors
One of the highlights of Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is the bold combination of flavors that come together to create a truly mouthwatering dish. The creamy coconut milk forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich and velvety texture that complements the heat from sambal oelek and red curry paste. These two ingredients bring a spicy kick to the dish, with sambal oelek contributing a tangy and slightly smoky heat, while red curry paste adds a depth of flavor from spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
The balance of sweetness from the coconut sugar (or brown sugar) and the warmth from ground coriander enhances the sauce, making it both spicy and aromatic. The shallots and minced ginger bring extra layers of fragrance, creating a sauce that’s both comforting and complex. This balance of flavors ensures that the dish isn’t just spicy but also well-rounded and satisfying.
The Crispy Tofu: A Perfect Texture Contrast
Tofu is often praised for its versatility, and in this dish, it plays a crucial role in providing texture contrast to the creamy sauce. Using super firm or firm tofu ensures that the tofu holds its shape when pan-fried, creating a golden brown, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. The tofu cubes are seasoned with a pinch of kosher salt during the frying process, helping to draw out moisture and improve the overall flavor.
The crispy tofu provides a satisfying bite, making each mouthful a delightful balance between crunch and creaminess. Pan-frying the tofu in oil until golden brown allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce while maintaining its crispy texture, making it an ideal vehicle for the rich, spicy coconut sauce.
Coconut Milk: The Heart of the Sauce
Coconut milk is the key ingredient that gives this dish its creamy and luxurious texture. Full-fat canned coconut milk is ideal for creating a rich, thick sauce that coats the tofu and rice beautifully. The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess, which balances the heat from the sambal oelek and red curry paste.
Not only does coconut milk contribute to the overall flavor and texture, but it also enhances the dish with its natural richness. It’s the perfect base for the sauce, offering a smooth, velvety consistency that complements the tofu and creates a satisfying mouthfeel. Additionally, coconut milk brings a touch of tropical flair to the dish, making it feel indulgent yet fresh.
The Role of Sambal Oelek and Red Curry Paste
Sambal oelek and red curry paste are the ingredients that give this dish its signature heat and bold flavor. Sambal oelek is a chili paste commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking, known for its tangy, spicy flavor. It adds a distinct kick to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. The amount of sambal oelek can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance, allowing you to control the level of heat in the dish.
Red curry paste, on the other hand, brings depth and complexity to the sauce. Made from a blend of ingredients like dried red chilies, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, red curry paste has a slightly earthy and aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the coconut milk and the heat of the sambal oelek. Together, these two ingredients create a sauce that’s spicy, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
### The Perfect Garnishes: Adding Color and Freshness
While the dish is delicious on its own, garnishing it with a few simple ingredients can elevate the flavor and presentation. Sliced scallions provide a fresh, slightly sharp bite that contrasts nicely with the rich, creamy sauce. Red pepper flakes add an extra layer of heat and a pop of color, making the dish even more visually appealing. Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch that complements the creamy tofu and enhances the texture of the dish.
These garnishes not only add flavor but also brighten up the dish, making it more vibrant and enticing. The combination of fresh and crunchy garnishes with the creamy tofu and sauce creates a multi-textural experience that’s satisfying and visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing with Rice or Vegetables
Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. It works beautifully with jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce and complements the spiciness of the dish. The fluffy rice provides a mild backdrop to the rich, spicy sauce, helping to balance out the heat.
For a lower-carb or gluten-free option, you can serve the dish with cauliflower rice, which has a light, delicate texture that pairs well with the bold flavors of the sauce. The mildness of the cauliflower rice enhances the dish, allowing the tofu and sauce to shine without overpowering the palate.
For those looking to increase the vegetable content of the meal, consider adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. These vegetables add extra texture and freshness, complementing the rich tofu and sauce while providing additional nutrients.
Health Benefits of Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce
This dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and is low in fat, making it an excellent option for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. The tofu in this dish provides a substantial amount of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied.
Coconut milk, while rich and creamy, also contains healthy fats in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to have several health benefits, including supporting metabolism and providing quick energy. Additionally, the use of fresh ginger and garlic in the sauce boosts the dish with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
The vegetables, such as the shallots and optional garnishes like scallions and red pepper flakes, add vitamins and minerals, contributing to the dish’s overall nutritional profile. Combined with the tofu and coconut milk, this dish provides a well-rounded balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a rich, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The combination of crispy tofu, a creamy coconut sauce, and bold spices makes this dish an exciting and indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner. With its versatility, you can serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables, allowing you to customize it to your taste. The dish is full of depth, with the spicy, tangy sauce beautifully balancing the richness of the coconut milk and the heat from sambal oelek. Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a meal that’s not only flavorful but also healthy and packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a new, exciting dish to try, Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a must-try recipe that brings together bold flavors and wholesome ingredients in a deliciously satisfying way.