4.7 from 48 votes
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!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
5
servings
Calories:
196 kcal
Course:
Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
Thai
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice divided, fresh
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 super firm tofu pressed and sliced into strips, 16-ounce package
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided, or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger freshly grated
- 2 large garlic minced, cloves
- ½ yellow onion sliced
- ½ cup coconut milk canned full-fat
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- rice optional, cooked
- green onion for garnish (optional, sliced
- 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.
Cup of Yum
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 Information
Calories
196kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
9g
(3%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
(24%)
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Trans Fat
0.02g
(1%)
Sodium
278mg
(12%)
Potassium
93mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
61IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
124mg
(12%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 196
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 196kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Sodium | 278mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 93mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 61IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 124mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.