Lemongrass Tofu In Coconut Curry Sauce

This lemongrass tofu recipe is incredibly aromatic and full of flavor. Tofu is seasoned and pan-fried until crispy, then coated in a creamy lemongrass coconut curry sauce. Whether served over rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried veggies, this tofu dish is sure to become a favorite vegetarian dinner option.

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Lemongrass Tofu With Coconut Sauce

If you’re seeking new tofu recipes, give this one a try. Tofu can sometimes be bland on its own, but when seasoned well and paired with a delicious sauce, it becomes a delightful dish.

In this recipe inspired by Vietnamese and Thai cuisines, tofu is seasoned with garlic powder, white pepper, and soy sauce, then coated in cornstarch (or tapioca) and pan-fried until crispy. The lemongrass curry sauce is prepared separately and combined with the tofu just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the tofu.

All the ingredients required can be easily found at your local supermarket or Asian grocery store. You can also use them in other dishes like Vietnamese lemongrass pork meatballs, satay chicken skewers, lemongrass banh mi, or crying tiger beef and rice noodle salad.

We hope you enjoy this delicious lemongrass tofu curry recipe!

What You’ll Need

• Aromatics – typical Asian aromatics such as lemongrass, green onions (or white onions), garlic, ginger, and chili.
• Tofu – Firm tofu is required for this recipe. If you prefer not to use soy products, you can substitute with chicken or shrimp. Leftover tofu can be used in an easy tofu soup from Vegetarian Mama.
• Flour – Options include cornstarch, tapioca, or arrowroot flour for coating the tofu. These are all gluten-free options, but if unavailable, regular plain flour or gluten-free flour can be used.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, white pepper, turmeric powder, mild curry powder, and sugar or honey for sweetness.
• Sauces – Soy sauce (or coconut aminos/Tamari for a gluten-free version), fish sauce, and lime juice. For a vegan version, replace fish sauce with extra soy sauce or plain salt.
• Coconut Milk – Full-fat coconut milk from a can, using the thickened part of the milk.

How To Make Lemongrass Tofu Curry

Refer to the full recipe card below for detailed instructions, ingredients list, and nutrition information.

Cooking The Tofu

• Step 1. Cut the tofu into triangle or rectangular strips, about 0.5-1cm thick, and press down with kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture.
• Step 2. Season the tofu with garlic powder, pepper, and soy sauce. Set aside. You can also start making the curry sauce at this point.
• Step 3. Coat the tofu in cornstarch and pan-fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove and set aside once cooked.

Lemongrass Curry Sauce

• Step 1. In a skillet, heat oil and stir-fry green onions, lemongrass, and ginger. Add garlic and continue stir-frying until golden.
• Step 2. Add chili, turmeric, curry powder, coconut cream/milk, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Cook for 5 minutes, then set aside.

Add the crispy tofu to the heated curry sauce and stir, or pour the sauce over the tofu on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh coriander, sliced red chili, lime wedges, and optional Asian fried shallots or crushed peanuts.

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What To Serve With Lemongrass Tofu

This saucy tofu pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, rice noodles, other noodles, stir-fried veggies, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. It can also be used in Vietnamese rice paper rolls or a banh mi sandwich.

For more coconut curry recipes, check out easy curry meatballs and pumpkin chicken curry.