Vegan coconut rice recipe with tofu

Tofu is one of the staples of a vegan diet, but a lot of people find it a boring ingredient due to its lack of a strong flavor. That is where the magical world of spices comes into play. Once you learn to incorporate spices in your vegan recipes, you will never look at vegan food the same way.

This recipe has been specifically crafted to give you a burst of flavor with the use of spices, but also be easy on those who are not used to exotic flavors. For those who feel that this recipe uses a lot of spices and do not have any in your kitchen cabinet, trust me and plan a visit to your local ethnic grocery store. You can store these spices for a long time and use them in many dishes to completely treat your palate.

This recipe is inspired by classic Chinese flavors but do not expect this to be a typical Chinese dish. The Chinese flavors in this dish derive from the use of typical Chinese Spices in the prep.

Vegan coconut rice recipe with tofu

Tofu is a mainstay in vegan diets, but its mild flavor often leaves people wanting more. This is where spices can truly work their magic. This Coconut Rice and Spicy Tofu recipe is designed to deliver a symphony of flavors while being accessible to those unfamiliar with bold spices.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

• 150 grams Tofu Cut into cube pieces
• 1/2 tbsp Salt Better to use himali's salt or sea salt
• 1 tbsp Spices better to use Chiness spices
• 1/2 tbsp Onion Finely chopped
• 2 Carrots Finely chopped
• A Bunch of Chinese Scallions 
• 2  Cloves of garlic
• 30 gram  Cashews Cut in small pieces
• 1/2 tbsp Coriander
• 1/4 tbsp Turmeric
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 1/2 glass Coconut milk You can make yourself at home or get organic coconut milk
• 100 gram Thick rice
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger
• 1/2 tbsp Black paper
• 1/3 Yellow bell paper Fine chopped

Instructions

 

• Remove the Tofu from the packet and wipe any excess moisture using a paper towel. Cut the tofu block into 4 equal slabs. Add the Tofu chunks to a bowl.
  
•  Take a plate and create the spice mix by adding a teaspoon of onion powder, some turmeric powder, red chili, a heaping teaspoon of salt, and a teaspoon of Chinese spice mix. Add the spice mix to the bowl with tofu and mix gently be careful to not break the Tofu chunks.
  
• Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a pan and add the tofu chunks once the oil heats up.  Let the tofu chunks fry to a golden brown surface and avoid mixing them too frequently. Once the tofu chunks get a crispy golden brown char on the surface, turn off the gas and remove the pan.
  
• I suggest using thick rice and avoiding thin-grained rice as we want the texture to be creamy and mushy. I will give you some options for the rice and you can choose if you desire. Take 1/2 cup (100 gm) of rice in a bowl and rinse it under water to remove all the starch from the rice.
  
• Next, thoroughly wash the carrots. Remove the roots of the carrot and cut them into small chunks. You do not need to peel the carrots if they are cleaned and scrubbed properly. Cut the scallions into small pieces. Peel and finely chop the garlic pieces. Peel the ginger and use a grater to grate the ginger. To add some heat, Chop the Cashews into small crunchy pieces. Add some oil to a pot and heat it on medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the carrots, ginger, garlic, scallions, and to the pot. Add some salt to this veggie mix. These ingredients go in first as they need some time to soften.

  After about three minutes, we will add some spices to this mix to turn up the flavors. Take a combination of the following to create a spice mix:

  1. 1/2 Teaspoon of Chinese spice

  2. 1/2 Teaspoon of black Pepper powder

  3. 1/2 Teaspoon of coriander

  4. 1/4 Teaspoon of turmeric

  5.  1/4 teaspoon of salt

  6. 1/3 of Yellow bell paper
  
• Add this spice mix to the pot and stir constantly to prevent the spices from sticking to the bottom. Next, add the cleaned rice to this Pot and mix well so the rice is completely coated with the spice mix. Now add 1.5 cups of water.

  Then add the coconut milk to this Pot. The addition of coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness and richness to this recipe and also helps cut some of the heat from the spices. Add some yellow bell pepper to the Pot along with the chopped cashews. Now add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the flavors.

  Let the mixture in the bowl come to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the flame and add the tofu to the Pot. Give it a mix and cover the pot.

  Let it cook for 20 minutes in a very low flame.
  

Keyword healthy dinner, healthy recipe, healthy vegan meal

Cooking rice in coconut milk

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I substitute coconut milk for water in rice?

To substitute coconut milk for water in rice, replace the water with an equal amount of coconut milk. For a creamier texture and richer flavor, you can use a 1:1 ratio or mix half water and half coconut milk.

Why does my coconut rice come out mushy?

Coconut rice can become mushy if too much liquid is used or if the rice is overcooked. Ensure you measure the liquid accurately and follow the cooking time precisely to achieve perfectly fluffy rice.

Is coconut milk vegan?

Yes, coconut milk is vegan. It is made from the grated meat of mature coconuts, making it a plant-based and dairy-free alternative perfect for vegan recipes.

How healthy is coconut rice?

Coconut rice is a nutritious dish, rich in healthy fats and fiber from coconut milk. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to a balanced diet.

Is coconut rice made from coconut milk or cream?

Coconut rice is typically made with coconut milk, which provides a creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor. Coconut cream can be used for a richer, more intense coconut taste.

Do you mix coconut milk with water?

Mixing coconut milk with water can help achieve the desired consistency in recipes. For rice, a common ratio is half coconut milk and half water to balance creaminess and prevent mushiness.

How to use canned coconut milk in recipes?

Canned coconut milk can be used in a variety of recipes, such as curries, soups, smoothies, and desserts. Shake the can well before use and add it directly to your dish for a rich, creamy flavor.