- The curry is too spicy, what do I do?
- You can tame heat with fat or sweet. Add a bit more coconut milk or a teaspoon of sugar/honey.
- The oil separated on top, is it ruined?
- No! In Thai cuisine, this is often desirable ('breaking' the curry). If you want a more uniform sauce, cook on lower heat, simmering gently.
Thai Red Curry Tofu
The genius of Thai cuisine lies in layering flavors. In this recipe, we 'bloom' the spice paste in oil to release its aromatics. This is followed by the soft sweetness of coconut milk and the acidity of lime. The fried tofu acts as a sponge, soaking up this complex, fragrant sauce, making every bite a flavor bomb.
Ingredients
14
oz
Firm Tofu
2
tbsp
Coconut Oil
3
tbsp
Soy Sauce
3/4
cup
Coconut Milk (canned)
1
tbsp
Vegan Red Curry Paste
1
whole
Lime (Juice)
2
cloves
Garlic
1
tsp
Fresh Ginger (grated)
2
tbsp
Fresh Cilantro
1/2
tsp
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1/2
tsp
Salt
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Deep skillet or wok
- Grater (for ginger)
- Cutting board
Allergen Information
Soy
Tree Nuts (Coconut)
Instructions
1
✓
Press tofu, cut into cubes, and toss with 2 tbsp soy sauce. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Tip: Marinated tofu gets darker when fried due to soy sauce sugars.
2
✓
Heat coconut oil in skillet and fry tofu until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
Tip: Coconut oil withstands heat well and harmonizes with the dish's flavors.
3
✓
In the same pan (add a little oil if needed), sauté crushed garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds, then add curry paste and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Tip: This step is critical: you must 'wake up' the paste in hot oil to release essential oils.
4
✓
Pour in coconut milk, stir to combine with paste, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Tip: The fat in coconut milk forms an emulsion with the spices.
5
✓
Season with lime juice, remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, and chili.
Tip: Acid (lime) brightens up the heavy, creamy sauce.
6
✓
Return fried tofu to the sauce, toss to coat evenly.
7
✓
Serve sprinkled with fresh cilantro.
Tip: You can cook cilantro stems in the sauce for more flavor; save leaves for the end.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 14 oz Firm Tofu
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3/4 cup Coconut Milk (canned)
- 1 tbsp Vegan Red Curry Paste
- 1 whole Lime (Juice)
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Salt