Coconut Red Curry With Tofu from Melissa Clark

  • 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon peanut or safflower oil
  • 1-inch ginger root, peeled and minced
  • 2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Thai chile or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro stems
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • ½ tsp sea salt, more to taste
  • 3 tbsp prepared red curry paste
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 tsp Asian fish sauce
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • Basil and/or cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Brown or white rice, for serving
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.