Coconut Lime Tofu: A Quick Vegan Delight You’ll Love
Why Make This Recipe
Coconut Lime Tofu is a quick and tasty vegan dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s simple to prepare, filling, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy coconut milk and zesty lime gives this dish a refreshing taste that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet!
How to Make Coconut Lime Tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice
- 14 oz Extra Firm Tofu (cubed)
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (substitute with olive oil if preferred)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (arrowroot powder works as a substitute)
- 1 medium Shallot (or yellow onion if unavailable)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 3 cloves Garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 can Coconut Milk (13.5 oz; use light to reduce fat)
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup (or agave syrup as an alternative)
- 1 tsp Paprika (try smoky paprika for different flavor)
- 2 whole Limes (juiced; lemon juice can be substituted)
- 1 tbsp Cilantro (or parsley in a pinch)
Directions:
- Start by cooking the Jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside.
- In a large pan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until it’s golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the shallot, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the shallot is soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the shallot mixture and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce, and mix everything together. Add the maple syrup and paprika, stirring until combined.
- Return the tofu to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Squeeze the juice of the limes over the dish and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Coconut Lime Tofu
Serve Coconut Lime Tofu over the cooked Jasmine rice for a complete meal. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for some extra nutrition. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner!
How to Store Coconut Lime Tofu
Leftover Coconut Lime Tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Coconut Lime Tofu
- Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps it get crispy.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of lime juice based on how tangy you like your dish.
- Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and color.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different spices or vegetables. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. If you want a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce!
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
You can use regular milk, but it will change the flavor and creaminess of the dish. Coconut milk gives it a unique and delicious taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce, this dish is gluten-free! Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just keep in mind that the texture of tofu might change after thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Coconut Lime Tofu
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cooking the Jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside.
- In a large pan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the shallot, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the shallot is soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the shallot mixture and stir well to thicken the sauce.
- Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce, mixing everything together. Add the maple syrup and paprika, stirring until combined.
- Return the tofu to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Squeeze the juice of the limes over the dish and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with cilantro before serving.