Spicy Tofu with Coconut Lime Sauce
One-pan Thai-inspired spicy tofu combines crispy pan-fried tofu with a creamy coconut lime sauce – it’s bold, spicy, rich, and vibrant!
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 196kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice divided
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 (16-ounce) package of super firm tofu pressed and sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- ½ yellow onion sliced
- ½ cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cooked rice (optional)
- Sliced green onion for garnish (optional)
- Cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, and cornstarch. Add the pressed tofu and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the ginger, garlic, and onions for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Return the tofu to the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the coconut milk, sriracha, sugar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Increase the heat to high and cook for 1–3 minutes until the liquid slightly reduces into a flavorful sauce.
- Serve hot over cooked rice if desired, garnished with sliced green onion and cilantro.
Video
Notes
- Press the tofu: For the best texture, crispiness, and sauce absorption. Refer to this guide to tofu pressing to learn more tips!
- For more tender tofu: Freeze and thaw it directly in its pack pre-pressing. It becomes spongier, chewier, and more tender.
- For the crispiest tofu: Don’t move it around while pan-frying – cook untouched until brown and crispy on each side.
- Taste and adjust: You can tweak the sugar, lime juice, sriracha, etc.
Nutrition
Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 278mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 2mg
