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5 from 6 votes
Wooden Table Set with Plate of Sweet & Sticky Coconut Tofu, Chopsticks, Water Glass, and Skillet
Sweet & Sticky Coconut Tofu
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Crispy pan-fried tofu is drenched in a rich brown sugar coconut milk sauce and served with a sprinkling of toasted coconut to make this decadent vegan meal. Absolutely delicious and easy enough for a weeknight!

Course: Entree
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Servings: 4
Calories: 333 kcal
Author: Alissa Saenz
Ingredients
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons organic brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 (14 ounce or 400 gram) package extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into ½ inch cubes
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 medium scallions, white and green parts separated and chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Rice, for serving
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange the coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet.

  2. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the coconut for 4 to 5 minutes, until it turns golden brown and crispy. Transfer the sheet to a cooling rack to cool.

  3. While the coconut cools, stir the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. When the cornstarch has fully dissolved, stir in the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and sriracha.

  4. Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Spread the coconut oil around to coat the bottom of the skillet as it melts.

  5. Give the oil a minute to heat up, then add the tofu in an even layer. Cook the tofu for about 10 minutes, flipping it once or twice to achieve browning on multiple sides of the pieces.

  6. Push the tofu to the sides of the skillet and add the garlic, ginger, white parts of scallions, and jalapeño pepper. Cook everything for about a minute, until it becomes very fragrant.

  7. Toss everything with a spatula to mix the aromatics with the tofu. Pour in the sauce and toss everything again to coat the tofu with sauce.

  8. Bring the sauce up to a simmer (it should start almost immediately) and let it cook for about 1 minute, until it thickens up.

  9. Remove the skillet from heat. Top the tofu with toasted coconut and the green parts of your scallions.

  10. Divide onto plates and serve with rice.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information does not include rice.

Nutrition Facts
Sweet & Sticky Coconut Tofu
Amount Per Serving
Calories 333 Calories from Fat 229
% Daily Value*
Fat 25.4g39%
Saturated Fat 17.8g89%
Sodium 698mg29%
Potassium 298mg9%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 4.1g16%
Sugar 9.8g11%
Protein 12.6g25%
Calcium 197mg20%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.