This Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that anyone can master in the kitchen.
Author:Chef Samantha
Ingredients
Scale
1block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tablespoonof vegetable oil
1 tablespoonof soy sauce
1 tablespoonof chili paste
1can (400ml) of coconut milk
1 tablespoonof lime juice
1 teaspoonof garlic, minced
1 teaspoonof ginger, grated
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Begin by cutting the tofu into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. The firm texture of the tofu will hold up beautifully in the dish, so don’t be shy about cutting generous pieces. After cutting, be sure to pat the tofu cubes dry with a clean kitchen towel. This will help achieve that golden-brown crispness as they fry in the pan.
Heat the vegetable oil in your non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, gently add the cubes of tofu to the pan. Allow the tofu to cook without stirring for a few minutes to develop a lovely crust. Then, carefully flip the cubes to brown all sides uniformly, approximately 10-12 minutes in total. This process enhances the flavor and texture of the tofu, creating a delightful bite!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and chili paste until well combined. Once the tofu is nice and browned, pour in your soy-chili blend, and quickly stir to coat all pieces. This step infuses the tofu with a deliciously spicy kick. Now, it’s time to introduce the creamy coconut sauce! Pour in the coconut milk, along with lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine; you’ll notice the rich aroma filling your kitchen!
Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 10 minutes. Be patient during this phase! The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Finally, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt according to your preference. This ensures the dish has the perfect balance of flavors.
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the spicy tofu onto a serving plate or into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added freshness. This quick and vibrant dish is now ready to impress your family and friends!
Notes
Pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess water and achieve a firmer texture when cooking.