Spicy Thai Style Tofu with Quinoa Recipe
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Total Time: 15 minutes
This Spicy Thai Style Tofu with Quinoa is a perfect balance of flavors—rich and aromatic with the heat of Thai chilis, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the refreshing zest of lime and basil. Combined with fluffy quinoa, this quick and easy vegetarian dish makes for a delightful weeknight meal or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tofu | 250 grams | Cut into cubes |
| Quinoa | 1 cup | Cooked according to package instructions |
| Spring Onion Greens | 3 to 4 | Greens and bulbs chopped |
| Thai Red Chilli (Birds Eye Chilli) | 2 to 3 | Finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 to 3 cloves | Minced |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon | Finely chopped |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 | Diced |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2 | Sliced |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 3 tablespoons | Roasted and crushed |
| Soy Sauce (or Thai Fish Sauce) | 2 tablespoons | |
| Sweet and Spicy Red Chilli Sauce | 2 tablespoons | (Tomato Chilli Sauce) |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 tablespoon | |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Vegetable Stock | 4 to 5 tablespoons | |
| Corn Flour | 1 teaspoon | To thicken the sauce |
| Lemon Juice | 2 teaspoons | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Thai Basil Leaves | 8 to 9 leaves | Torn |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs | Chopped |
Instructions
-
Cook the Quinoa:
Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves rinsing the quinoa thoroughly and then boiling it in water (or vegetable stock for extra flavor) for about 12-15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and set it aside. -
Prepare the Stir-Fry:
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped spring onion bulbs, minced garlic, finely chopped Thai red chilies, and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and softened. -
Add Vegetables and Tofu:
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and the tofu cubes. Continue to stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the tofu is slightly golden. -
Add Sauces and Seasoning:
Pour in the soy sauce (or Thai fish sauce), sweet and spicy red chili sauce, rice vinegar, and vegetable stock. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then, sprinkle in the brown sugar and give it a good mix to incorporate all the flavors. -
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, dissolve the corn flour in about 2 tablespoons of water, creating a slurry. Add this mixture to the tofu and vegetables, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to thicken and become glossy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed (adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a squeeze of lemon for brightness). -
Final Touches:
Once the sauce is at your desired consistency, remove the wok from heat. Serve the stir-fried tofu and vegetables immediately over a bed of fluffy quinoa. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your Spicy Thai Style Tofu with fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped coriander leaves, and roasted crushed peanuts for added crunch. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.
This Spicy Thai Style Tofu with Quinoa is now ready to be enjoyed! The combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors pairs perfectly with the nutty quinoa, making it a wholesome and delicious vegetarian meal.
Serving Suggestions
For an even more indulgent meal, pair this dish with a Zucchini Salad with Thai Hot Chili Dressing and a refreshing Coconut Kewra Drink. This dish also works wonderfully as a filling meal on its own, perfect for a busy weeknight or a nutritious lunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.)
This dish brings a flavorful explosion of Thai-inspired ingredients that are as nutritious as they are satisfying. With tofu, quinoa, and a range of fresh vegetables, it’s an exciting twist on traditional stir-fries. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes will keep your taste buds intrigued from the first bite to the last!
