When I was prepping this recipe for the blog, I couldn’t decide if it should be two recipes or one. In the end, I made it a single recipe for spiced turmeric tofu with coconut cilantro rice. The rice and tofu could be served separately, but they are awesome together!
I’m a huge fan of tofu, while most people are not. I don’t know why, but I have just always loved it. Even before going meatless I would seek out restaurants that had great tofu.
Baking the tofu gives it a nice chewy texture. I prefer the tofu in large pieces so that it holds some of it’s moisture, making it creamy on the inside. If you prefer more chew, cut the tofu into smaller bites, and expect it to be drier as well.
The coconut cilantro rice is amazing! The grains come out a little firmer than plain brown rice, which adds texture to the dish. The coconut milk adds creaminess while the cilantro and lime juice keep it bright!
Variations to the Spiced Turmeric Tofu with Coconut Cilantro Rice recipe:
- Sub in another protein! Try using the spice blend on roasted chickpeas, or tempeh slices! I have made this recipe with fish as well and it turned out great.
- To keep saturated fats in check, I only used a 1/2 cup coconut milk in the rice. To use more coconut milk in place of water, use light coconut milk instead of full fat.
- I use a Misto olive oil sprayer
to spray oil on the tofu slabs. This helps me avoid additives in aerosol cans.
to spray oil on the tofu slabs. This helps me avoid additives in aerosol cans.- 16 oz block tofu, pressed and drained
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp each: salt, black pepper, cumin, and garlic powder
- Spray olive oil
- 1 cup brown rice
- ½ cup full fat coconut milk
- 1½ cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup minced cilantro
- 1 TBS lime juice
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Cut tofu block in half over the top, the short way. Cut each half into 3 slices, down the side.
- Mix together turmeric, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Gently coat each piece of tofu with the turmeric mixture. Spray with olive oil and bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for 40 minutes, turning half way.
- Meanwhile, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a rice cooker until the rice has absorbed the moisture.
- Let the rice cool 5 minutes. Mix in cilantro and lime juice. Serve with spiced turmeric tofu pieces.
Recipe inspired by Cooking Light.
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