Name: Filipino Tofu in Coconut Milk
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 9 oz tofu (cut into cubes); 1 oz ginger (cut into matchsticks); 3 oz onions (thinly sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes; 1 tablespoon oyster mushroom sauce; 1 tablespoon vegan fish sauce; 5 oz string beans (cut into 2 inch pieces); 1 cup water; 7 oz full fat coconut milk; salt & pepper to taste

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This Tofu in Coconut Milk recipe is a healthy, savory, and easy-to-cook Filipino dish that consists of pan-fried tofu tossed in rich coconut milk with string beans and flavorful vegan sauce. It's a great dish to pair with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious lunch or dinner!

Love Tofu? Try the fan-favorite Tofu Sisig, Tofo Adobo, delicious Tofu Stir Fry or my Tofu Salpicao.

delicious tofu with coconut milk in a wooden bowl

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What is Tofu in Coconut Milk?
Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
Top Tips
Substitutions
Variations
Storage
Ingredients
FAQs
Filipino Tofu in Coconut Milk

What is Tofu in Coconut Milk?

This Tofu in Coconut Milk (Ginataang Sitaw with Tofu) is probably one of the savory and hearty Filipino dishes that you can make. It's a perfect combination of tofu, coconut milk, oyster mushroom sauce, red chili flakes, vegan fish sauce, and string beans which makes a bit spicy, creamy and delicious taste.

They are all cooked in one pan and can be made ready in just 30 minutes. It's a great addition to your easy tofu coconut milk recipe list.

Also, this dish is so affordable, heart-warming, and vegan vegetarian-friendly. Serve this dish along with steamed rice to make it one filling and nutritious meal. Give this a try!

Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

It can assist in weight loss.
Rich in antioxidants.
Improves digestion.
Relieves constipation.
Prevents anemia.
Rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
Strengthens the immune system.
Builds muscle and helps reduce fat.
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.

Top Tips

It is best to use firm tofu or tofu balls in this recipe.
Make sure to fry the tofu before tossing with other ingredients.

Substitutions

Vegan Fish Sauce: If you're not a fan of vegan fish sauce, you can omit it entirely or substitute it with soy sauce.
Tempeh: Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that has a slightly nutty flavor and firm texture, similar to tofu. It can be used as a substitute in dishes that call for tofu, including those cooked in coconut milk.
Seitan: Seitan, also known as wheat gluten, is a plant-based protein made from wheat gluten. It has a chewy texture and can be used in place of tofu in coconut milk-based dishes.
Vegetables: You can replace tofu with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, squash, or potatoes. These vegetables can absorb the flavors of the coconut milk sauce and provide a satisfying texture.
Chickpeas or Beans: Cooked chickpeas or beans can be used as a protein substitute in dishes cooked in coconut milk. They add a hearty texture and provide protein, making them a suitable alternative to tofu.
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP): TVP is a meat substitute made from soy flour that can be rehydrated and used in place of tofu in coconut milk-based dishes. It absorbs flavors well and has a similar texture to ground meat.

Variations

Adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your desired level of spiciness.
Enhance the dish with sweet bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, green spinach, and fresh cilantro for added volume and nutrition.
For a tangy flavor, consider incorporating lime zest and lime juice.
If you'd like to transform it into a tofu coconut curry recipe, feel free to add curry powder, tomato paste, turmeric, or cumin according to your taste preferences.

Storage

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-5 days when stored in airtight containers

Ingredients

Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:

vegetable oil
tofu
ginger
onions
garlic
red chili flakes
oyster mushroom sauce
vegan fish sauce
string beans
water
full-fat coconut milk
salt and pepper

ingredients for tofu in coconut milk recipe

Instructions

Add oil in a heated skillet and sauté tofu until turned into light golden brown. Place the tofu on the side of the pan. Then, saute ginger until it becomes crispy and fragrant:

Toss in minced garlic and sliced onions and cook for another 2 minutes on medium-low heat. Then mix garlic, onions, ginger, and tofu together. Add in the chili flakes and continue cooking while stirring for 3 minutes. Season with a little bit of salt, pepper, oyster mushroom sauce, and vegan fish sauce:

added the garlic, onions, chili flakes, salt, pepper, oyster mushroom sauce, and vegan fish sauce into the pan

Add in the string beans and water, then bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to simmer for 5 minutes. Next, the coconut milk and continue simmering for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste:

added the string beans, water, coconut milk, salt and pepper into the mixture

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

FAQs

What's the difference between tofu and tokwa?

The main difference between tofu and tokwa is their origin and cultural context. Tofu is a soybean product originating from China and is commonly used in Asian cuisines. Tokwa, on the other hand, is a Filipino term for tofu. While they are essentially the same product, the term "tokwa" is used specifically in Filipino cuisine to refer to tofu. So, tofu and tokwa are essentially the same thing, just known by different names in different cultures.

Do you have to pre cook tofu?

Yes, it would be to do so for this recipe.

What happens if you don't drain tofu before cooking?

If you don't drain tofu before cooking, it may retain excess moisture, leading to a softer texture and difficulty in achieving a crispy or firm consistency when cooked. Additionally, the excess moisture can dilute the flavors of the dish you're preparing. Drainage helps remove excess water from the tofu, allowing it to absorb marinades and sauces more effectively and resulting in better texture and flavor in the final dish.

Is tofu healthier than meat?

Yes, tofu is healthier than meat because soy provides protein, minerals, fiber, and vitamins without the unhealthy cholesterol and saturated fat that can be found in meat.