Creamy Vegan Butter Tofu with Baked Tofu

• •14 oz Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu (pressed and cubed)
• •2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• •2 tbsp Cornstarch
• •2 tbsp Vegan Butter
• •1 piece Yellow Onion (chopped)
• •1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
• •3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• •1.5 tsp Garam Masala
• •1 tsp Curry Powder
• •0.5 tsp Ground Coriander
• •0.3 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or to taste, optional)
• •2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• •13.5 oz Full-Fat Coconut Milk (can)
• •1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• •1 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• •2 cups White Rice (cooked, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you haven't already, press your tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess water, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until each piece is lightly dusted. Arrange the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

3. 3

   Bake the tofu for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy. While the tofu bakes, begin preparing the sauce.

4. 4

   In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

5. 5

   Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, garam masala, curry powder, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

6. 6

   Add the tomato paste, coconut milk and, and salt. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

7. 7

   Once the tofu is baked, carefully add it to the simmering sauce. Turn off the heat and stir gently to coat the tofu.

8. 8

   Serve the creamy vegan butter tofu hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Chef's Tips

• 💡**Pressing Tofu is Key:** Don't skip pressing the tofu! It removes excess water, allowing the tofu to absorb marinades better and crisp up more effectively.
• 💡**Adjust Spice:** For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper. For less, omit it entirely or use a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• 💡**Creamier Sauce:** For an even smoother sauce, you can carefully blend a portion of the sauce with an immersion blender before adding the tofu, then combine.