Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce Recipe

If you crave bold flavor and a touch of comfort in every bite, Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is calling your name! This dish brings together crispy, golden tofu and a luscious, spicy coconut sauce that truly transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something magical. Trust me—it’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce comes from just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays its own delicious part—crispy tofu for substance, rich coconut milk for silkiness, and a lively mix of aromatics and spices to tie it all together and keep things exciting.

• Firm or Super Firm Tofu: The heart of our dish! Super firm or “extra-firm” tofu gives the best “chewy” texture and crisps up beautifully, but press out extra moisture if using regular firm or extra-firm tofu.
• Canola or Neutral Oil: Key for pan-frying your tofu to golden, crunchy perfection—don’t skip it!
• Pinches of Kosher Salt: Just a touch brings out all those subtle flavors in both the tofu and the sauce.
• Coconut Oil: Adds a lovely hint of coconut flavor and helps create a glossy sauce base (any neutral oil works in a pinch).
• Shallots: Thinly sliced for sweetness and depth, they form a soft, aromatic backbone for the sauce.
• Fresh Ginger: Minced to brighten up the rich coconut and add gentle heat.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: The VIP of the sauce—super creamy and rich! Full-fat delivers the lushest texture, but lite works for a lighter option.
• Sambal Oelek: This chili paste lets you dial up the spice exactly how you like it. Start small if you’re sensitive, or go all-in for serious kick.
• Red Curry Paste: Adds deep, aromatic heat and complexity. Choose your favorite brand and taste first, since some pastes are spicier than others.
• Coconut or Brown Sugar: Just a little rounds out the heat and balances the savory-tangy flavors of the sauce.
• Ground Coriander (optional): Offers a hint of floral citrus, making the sauce even more interesting—it’s subtle, but lovely.
• Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (or table salt): Final seasoning to taste—remember, different salts have different “salty” power, so add a little at a time and taste as you go!

Variations

What I adore about Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce is how easy it is to spin in your own direction. Don’t be afraid to riff—swap, add, or subtract based on what’s in your fridge or what flavors you’re craving tonight!

• Change Up the Protein: Try chickpeas, seitan, or tempeh for a different texture (or even crispy cauliflower florets for something lighter and fun).
• Add Veggies Galore: Toss in sliced bell peppers, baby spinach, or snap peas to bulk it up and boost the color.
• Make It Milder or Smokier: Dial back the sambal oelek for gentle warmth, or stir in a little smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky twist.
• Use Light Coconut Milk: For a lighter meal but still want that creamy dreaminess, use light coconut milk instead of full-fat.

How to Make Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

Step 1: Prep & Cube the Tofu

Start by draining your tofu and gently squeezing out extra moisture, especially if you’re using extra-firm rather than super firm tofu (see notes). Slice the tofu into generous 3/4 to 1-inch cubes—big enough to stay juicy inside, perfect for soaking up that coconut sauce later.

Step 2: Pan-Fry Tofu Until Golden

Heat your oil in a large non-stick or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Lay those tofu cubes in (don’t crowd them—work in batches if needed), sprinkle a pinch of salt, and let them cook undisturbed until the bottom is golden, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook another side; feel free to go for just two sides or turn to brown all over for extra crunch!

Step 3: Sauté Shallots & Ginger

Once the tofu is done and set aside, melt coconut oil in your pan over medium to medium-low heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring often, for about 4–5 minutes until soft but not browned, then stir in the minced ginger until fragrant, just 30 seconds to a minute.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Coconut Sauce

Pour in that luscious full-fat coconut milk, the sambal oelek, red curry paste, sugar, coriander (if using), and salt. Stir it all together and bring to a lively simmer over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until the flavors marry and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

Turn off the heat and gently stir your crispy tofu into the pan, fully coating each piece in that vibrant sauce. Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed—then it’s ready to plate! Add any garnishes you love (ideas below), and get ready for rave reviews.

How to Serve Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce

Garnishes

I’m all about the finishing touches! A sprinkle of sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some fresh cilantro makes Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce look beautiful and adds extra layers of flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

This tofu is fabulous over hot steamed jasmine rice, but don’t stop there—a side of roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or even fluffy quinoa soaks up all that creamy, spicy sauce just as well. A light cucumber salad or crunchy slaw also makes a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce in a pretty shallow bowl, topped with a swirl of coconut milk or a scatter of edible flowers for date night. For gatherings, offer it “build-your-own” style with a buffet of toppings and sides—everybody gets to make their own perfect bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay wonderful for up to 3 days. The sauce truly deepens and tastes even richer after a night’s rest, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, too.

Freezing

You can freeze the creamy coconut sauce separately from the tofu for up to a month—this helps the tofu maintain its texture when thawed. If frozen together, expect the tofu to be a little softer after reheating, but still super tasty!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove, stirring over medium-low heat until warmed through (add a splash of water or extra coconut milk if the sauce thickened too much). The microwave works in a pinch, just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, flavor-packed, and easy weeknight dinner, Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce never disappoints. I hope you give it a try—invite your favorite people over, or treat yourself to an extra special meal, and enjoy every gloriously saucy bite!

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