Tofu Red Curry With Rice Noodles Food

THAI RED CURRY TOFU

Steps:

• Drain and press the tofu (follow my how to press tofu guide for additional information) to remove excess moisture and water. Once pressed, slice the block into 1-inch cubes and pat with a clean kitchen linen or paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
• Combine the coconut milk, red curry paste, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, whisking the mixture until smooth. Reduce to low heat. Add the fish sauce and lime leaves. Simmer until thickened and slightly reduced, and keep warm while you prepare the tofu and vegetable mixture. Discard the lime leaves before using.
• While the sauce thickens, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, non-stick skillet (12-inch diameter) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu pieces and spread into a single layer, setting them apart slightly. Season with salt. Sear the tofu pieces for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, flipping until lightly golden on all sides. Transfer to a large plate and set aside.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and increase to high heat. Add the green beans, a generous pinch of salt, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until lightly blistered. Add the diced ginger, garlic, and jalapeño pepper and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds, stirring frequently, or until fragrant. Add the onion and red bell pepper to the pan, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing frequently, until the green beans are tender and the onion and bell pepper have softened.
• Add the tofu back into the pan and pour the warm curry sauce over the mixture, gently tossing the mixture. The sauce should sizzle as it hits the pan. Continue cooking until the tofu is heated through and the mixture has thickened. Stir in the juice of half a lime and the chopped cilantro. Season to taste with salt or fish sauce as needed.
• Serve the curry over steamed coconut rice (or jasmine rice) with lime wedges for squeezing. Garnish with cilantro and Thai basil leaves, if using.

SPICY RICE NOODLES WITH CRISPY TOFU AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As the oven heats, press the tofu (you can do this by sandwiching the block in paper towels and placing a cutting board, plus a heavy pot, can or book on top).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and oils, and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, panko and sesame seeds, if using, and toss gently so the tofu cubes are coated.
• Spread on the prepared sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and crisp.
• While the tofu bakes, start the noodles: Put the dry rice noodles in a big, wide bowl. Fill a kettle, bring the water to a boil, and pour the boiling water over the noodles to cover. Set aside for 6 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are fully rehydrated and soft. (Time may vary by brand.) Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• As the noodles soak, prepare the spicy sesame oil: In a small pot, combine sesame oil, peanut oil, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on the lowest heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the garlic slices turn golden.
• Meanwhile, on your cutting board, make a small mound with the teaspoon of salt. Place the basil and the scallions on top, and use your knife to furiously chop and smash until you have a rough paste.
• Mix the basil paste into the bowl of rice noodles. Pile the baby spinach on top. Pour at least half of the hot oil immediately over the spinach, tossing so that the heat wilts the leaves slightly. Then add the juice of the 1/2 lime and toss to combine. Taste for salt and lime juice, and add more oil as you see fit.
• Arrange the tofu on top of the noodles, or mix them in so that the cubes hide like little treasures. For extra flair, garnish with additional sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU

Steps:

• Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.
• Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.

RED CURRY WITH TOFU

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
• While the rice is cooling, slice tofu and place on a plate with cloth napkins or paper towels between the slices. Place another plate on top. Set a 3- to 5-pound weight on top. Press tofu for 20 to 30 minutes; drain and discard any accumulated liquid.
• Heat a dry, nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add tofu and cook slowly, pressing with a spatula to release any remaining liquid, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove and set aside.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, onion, and remaining 1/4 cup water; cook, tossing frequently, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add coconut milk and curry paste; simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add tofu and toss to combine.
• Serve over warm rice. Squeeze lime juice over top and garnish with basil.