Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce

Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce (Ready in 25 Minutes)

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

Enjoy this bold, flavor-packed tofu dish, which is creamy and spicy with zesty, umami-rich notes.
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This spicy tofu is enrobed in creamy, miso coconut sauce that is rich in spicy, sweet, and umami flavor.

Tofu is an amazing ingredient that has a terrible reputation for being flavorless and with an off-putting texture, but, in our opinion, this is all down to poor preparation and cooking.

This spicy tofu is enrobed in creamy, miso coconut sauce

Tofu crisps up beautifully when fried and will absorb any flavors that it is introduced to so the possibilities for dishes are endless!

This recipe combines the zesty brightness of lime, hot Thai chilies, and an umami miso-ginger combo that creates a tofu dish that’s creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible.

Tofu crisps up beautifully when fried

It’s perfect served over jasmine rice or alongside sautéed veggies! It’s also a delicious topping for egg noodles.

Why you will love this Spicy Tofu recipe…

  • Quick mid-week meal- This whole dish takes just 25 minutes.
  • Vegan- You would never realize there is no meat or dairy because this dish is so tasty.
  • Shows off tofu- This truly shows off the potential of this underrated protein.
  • Intense flavor- The sauce has sweetness, spice, saltiness, and umami flavors all married into one.
  • Versatile- It can be served as a side as is or as a main with vegetables and rice or noodles.
Why you will love this Spicy Tofu recipe

Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce

Enjoy this bold, flavor-packed tofu dish, which is creamy and spicy with zesty, umami-rich notes.
Rate this recipe!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine East Asian
Servings 2
Calories 437 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the tofu:

  • 14 oz (1 block) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or grapeseed)

For the coconut sauce:

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 – 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp brown sugar

For garnish:

  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp crispy fried garlic (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Toasted coconut flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

Ingredients

  • Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce Ingredients
  • Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated.
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
    Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce Instruction - Fry the tofu
  • In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil. Sauté the shallot, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
    Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce Instruction - Make the sauce base
  • Stir in the Thai chilies and miso paste, cooking for another minute until the miso dissolves and everything is well combined.
  • Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Add the crispy tofu to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece in the creamy, spicy goodness.
    Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce Instruction - Add the crispy tofu to the sauce
  • Remove from heat and garnish with scallions, crispy garlic, fresh cilantro, and toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
    Spicy Tofu in Creamy Miso Coconut Sauce Instruction - combine and serve

Nutrition

Calories 437kcal (22%)Carbohydrates 22g (7%)Protein 20g (40%)Fat 30g (46%)Saturated Fat 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat 12gMonounsaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0.1gSodium 499mg (22%)Potassium 151mg (4%)Fiber 3g (13%)Sugar 5g (6%)Vitamin A 146IU (3%)Vitamin C 9mg (11%)Calcium 282mg (28%)Iron 3mg (17%)
Keyword Tofu
Tried this recipe?Let us know if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

This spicy tofu in creamy miso coconut sauce is delicious served over fluffy jasmine rice or egg noodles.

We also recommend adding some steamed veggies like broccoli or bok choy. A side of pickled cucumbers or Roasted Pumpkin & Pomegranate Salad would balance the heat beautifully.

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

  • Adjust the heat. Thai chilies are very spicy! Use fewer chilies or substitute with milder red chilies if you need the dish to be less hot.
  • Don’t skip the lime zest. It adds a bright, citrusy aroma that takes the sauce to the next level.
  • Add veggies. Bulk up the nutrition factor with sautéed mushrooms, bok choy, snap peas, or baby corn.
  • Press the tofu in advance. Use a tofu press of a board weighted with a few cans to get rid of any excess moisture for a few hours before cooking. This makes it crispier when fried and able to absorb more flavors.
is delicious served over fluffy jasmine rice

Storage Suggestions

  • To store- Allow to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze- Portion the sauce and tofu into freezer-safe containers or Ziploc bags and label them with the date.
  • To reheat- Place the dish back into a frying pan and heat on the stovetop on medium heat.

Spicy Tofu FAQs

What is tofu made of?

Tofu is dried soybeans that have been soaked in water, crushed, and boiled.

Is tofu actually good for you?

Yes, although it is processed, tofu is considered a healthy ingredient because it’s made of soybeans. It is high in protein, low calorie, and contains calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Can you eat tofu raw?

Yes, tofu is safe to eat raw. This means, when cooking, you don’t have to worry about cooking it all the way through to be safe, you just need to crisp the outside.

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Amy Hand
About the author
Amy Hand
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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