If you’re looking for a dish that’s crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor, you’ve gotta try my Crispy Coconut Tofu with Lemongrass Curry. This recipe is the ultimate combo of crunchy tofu coated in coconut goodness and a rich, fragrant curry sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Thai street food festival. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress someone (but don’t wanna spend all day in the kitchen). Let’s get cooking, shall we?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1| Crispy & Creamy Combo: The crunchy coconut tofu paired with the silky, flavorful curry is a match made in foodie heaven. ✨
2| Big on Flavor: With lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and a hint of chili, this curry brings bold, vibrant tastes to the table.
3| Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
4| Healthy-ish Comfort Food: It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with plant-based goodness.
5| Impressive but Simple: Looks fancy enough to wow your friends but easy enough to whip up without breaking a sweat.
6| Customizable: Not a fan of tofu? Swap it for chicken, shrimp, or even more veggies.
You’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again—it’s just that good! 😍
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What You’ll Need To Make
Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine
→ Tofu: Firm tofu is the star here! It soaks up the tamari like a sponge and gets perfectly crispy with that coconut coating. Trust me, even tofu skeptics will love this.
→ Lemongrass: This little herb brings a bright, citrusy vibe to the curry, making it super fresh and fragrant. Don’t skip it—it’s the secret to nailing that authentic flavor!
→ Coconut Milk: Creamy, rich, and oh-so-smooth, it’s the perfect base for the curry sauce. Plus, it adds that tropical flair we all love.
→ Shredded Coconut: The magic behind that crunchy tofu coating. It adds texture and a slightly sweet nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the curry.
→ Thai Chili: A little heat goes a long way! Feel free to adjust the spice level depending on your mood—or your tolerance. 😅
→ Coconut Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the bold flavors. It’s subtle but makes all the difference!
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bold, balanced, and completely drool-worthy. Ready to try it out? 😊
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| Ingredients: Serves 2 |
|---|
| For the tofu: |
| – 10.6 oz (300g) firm tofu |
| – 3 tbsp tamari sauce |
| – 6 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut |
| – 1 oz (30g) cornstarch |
| For the lemongrass curry: |
| – 3 green onions, sliced |
| – 4 cloves garlic, sliced |
| – 2″ (5cm) root ginger, grated |
| – 1 Thai chili, sliced |
| – 1 tbsp fresh lemongrass, minced |
| – 2 tsp ground turmeric |
| – 1 tbsp tamari sauce |
| – 14 oz (400g) can lite coconut milk |
| – 2 tsp coconut sugar |
| To serve |
| – 10.5 oz (300g) cooked white rice |
| – 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped |
| – 1 tsp sesame seeds |
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 30 mins
1| Prep the tofu: Slice up your tofu into nice even pieces, then give it a good soak in tamari sauce. Let it hang out and soak up the flavor while you prep the rest.
2| Start the curry magic: Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Toss in the green onions, garlic, ginger, chili, and lemongrass. Sauté that goodness for about a minute—it’ll smell amazing!
3| Make the curry sauce: Sprinkle in the turmeric and add a splash of tamari. Stir it all together, then pour in the coconut milk. Bring it to a boil, then drop the heat to a simmer. Stir in the coconut sugar and let it bubble away for 10–15 minutes to thicken up.
4| Crispy tofu time: In a shallow bowl, mix the shredded coconut and cornstarch. Take your tamari-marinated tofu and give each piece a generous coating in that coconut mix.
5| Fry it up: Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Fry up your tofu, flipping it until both sides are golden, crispy, and irresistible.
6| Assemble and serve: Scoop some warm rice into bowls. Ladle over that creamy, fragrant lemongrass curry and top it all off with your crispy coconut tofu. Sprinkle on some chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for the finishing touch.
Grab a fork (or chopsticks!) and enjoy this vibrant, cozy dish. 😋
Glycemic Index: Moderate (64) Glycemic Load: High(99)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Recipe Swaps:
Tofu Swap: Not a tofu fan? Use tempeh, chicken, or shrimp for a protein-packed alternative.
Coconut Milk: Swap lite coconut milk for full-fat if you want an even richer curry. For a lighter option, try unsweetened almond milk, though it won’t be as creamy.
Tamari Sauce: Soy sauce works just fine if you’re not gluten-free. Coconut aminos are another great option for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Rice: Switch up the base by using quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for a healthier twist.
Creative Tweaks:
Amp up the veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini to add more color and nutrients to the curry.
Extra crunch: Add some chopped roasted peanuts or cashews as a garnish for extra texture.
Boost the flavor: Squeeze in a bit of fresh lime juice at the end for a zesty finish.
Spice it up: Double the Thai chili or add red chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Herb it up: Swap cilantro with fresh Thai basil or parsley if you’re not a fan.
- These swaps and tweaks make the recipe even more flexible and fun, so you can customize it exactly how you like! 😊
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Useful Tips for Success
1| Press the tofu: If your tofu isn’t pre-pressed, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and press it under a heavy object for 15–20 minutes. This removes excess moisture, making it easier to crisp up.
2| Marinate for more flavor: Let the tofu sit in the tamari sauce a bit longer (10–15 minutes) if you want it to soak up even more umami goodness.
3| Toast the coconut: For extra flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before coating the tofu. It adds a deeper, nutty aroma!
4| Control the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds from the Thai chili or skip it altogether. Want it hotter? Add more or try some chili paste. 🌶️
5| Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When frying the tofu, make sure the pieces have space to crisp up evenly. Fry in batches if needed.
6| Simmer the curry sauce: Be patient and let the curry sauce thicken on low heat—it’ll be creamier and more flavorful this way.
7| Cook rice ahead: Save time by making the rice earlier or using pre-cooked rice. That way, it’s ready to go when the curry and tofu are done.
8| Double the curry: The curry sauce is so good, you might want to make extra! It’s perfect for leftovers or even as a dip for bread.
- Follow these tips, and you’re guaranteed a dish that’s packed with flavor and crunch! 😊
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Serving Suggestions
1| Classic Bowl: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice, letting the curry sauce soak into the grains. Add a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds for that finishing touch.
2| Noodle Upgrade: Swap the rice for rice noodles or soba noodles for a fun twist. Toss the noodles in the curry sauce before serving for maximum flavor.
3| Vegetable Base: Keep it light by serving the tofu and curry over steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bok choy, or zucchini.
4| Wrap It Up: Use the crispy tofu and curry as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas. It’s messy, but so worth it!
5| Curry Dip Platter: Make smaller tofu bites and serve them as an appetizer with the curry sauce as a dip on the side. Perfect for entertaining!
6| Fusion Feast: Pair it with naan or crusty bread to scoop up all that creamy curry goodness.
7| Family-Style: Serve the curry and tofu in separate dishes alongside rice or noodles, letting everyone assemble their own bowls.
- These serving ideas let you get creative and tailor the meal to your vibe—whether it’s a cozy solo dinner or a big family gathering! 😊
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Storage Suggestions
1| In the Fridge:
- Tofu & Curry: Store the tofu and curry in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the tofu crispy and the curry fresh.
- Rice: Keep your cooked rice in a separate container for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to fluff it back up.
2| Freezing (for tofu & curry):
- Crispy Tofu: Unfortunately, the tofu loses its crispy texture when frozen, but if you’re okay with that, freeze the cooked tofu in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in a skillet or oven to bring back some crunch.
- Curry: The curry freezes well! Pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop for a cozy meal.
3| Reheating Tips:
- For curry, heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a little more coconut milk or water to adjust the consistency.
- For tofu, reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil to get it crispy again. It won’t be as crunchy as fresh, but it’ll still be tasty!
Storing leftovers means you can enjoy this dish again later—and who doesn’t love a good meal ready to go for busy days? 😎
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it—crispy coconut tofu and a lemongrass curry that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This dish always makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a tropical paradise, even if I’m just in my kitchen in sweatpants. It’s the kind of meal that’ll have you going back for seconds (maybe thirds—no judgment here). Try it out, and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to sprinkle on those sesame seeds and cilantro—it’s the little things that make a big difference. 😉
Recipe Card
Crispy Coconut Tofu with Lemongrass Curry
This Crispy Coconut Tofu with Lemongrass Curry is crunchy, creamy, and crazy good! 🤤✨ Ready in no time and packed with bold flavors—it’s a total weeknight win.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
For the lemongrass curry
To serve:
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Cut the tofu into slices, coat in the tamari sauce and set aside.
-
Step 2:
Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil into a skillet and sauté the green onions, garlic, ginger, chili and lemon grass for 1 minute.
-
Step 3:
Add the turmeric and tamari and stir to combine. Add the coconut milk, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and add the sugar. Simmer for for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
-
Step 4:
Place the coconut and corn starch in a shallow bowl and stir to combine. Cover the marinated tofu in the coconut mixture.
-
Step 5:
Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the tofu for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
-
Step 6:
Serve the cooked rice into bowls, top with the lemongrass curry and coconut crusted tofu, garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 709kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 45g70%
- Total Carbohydrate 57g19%
- Protein 19g38%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
