Tofu Red Curry With Rice Noodles Recipes

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:

• Bring 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 according to package directions, 20 to 25 minutes. Keep warm.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tofu and cook until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add carrots, bell pepper, and green onions and cook until vegetables are tender and tofu is browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
• While the tofu and vegetables are cooking, combine soy sauce, seasoning sauce, red curry paste, brown sugar, fish sauce, and oyster sauce in a small bowl until well blended.
• Pour 1/2 of the coconut milk over tofu-vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Mix in sauce mixture until combined. Add as much coconut milk until the mixture is about half liquid and half tofu and vegetables; you may not need all the coconut milk. Cook for 5 minutes until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
• Serve curry over jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

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.

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.