Seared Tofu with with Green Beans and Asian Coconut Sauce

A flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy seared tofu and tender green beans in a rich coconut sauce with ginger, garlic, and cashews. Served with your choice of rice noodles or rice, this vegetarian main course offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

4 servings
26 min

Ingredients

  • 1 package firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • ½ teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
  • 1 lb green beans
  • 1 whole red bell pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • cup chopped salted roasted cashews
  • 1 serving rice noodles or rice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Halve tofu lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and pat dry well. Put 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a wide shallow dish, then add tofu, turning to coat, and let stand 10 minutes. Pat tofu dry.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking, then add tofu in 1 layer and cook, turning over once, until tofu is browned, about 6 minutes total. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large plate, reserving oil in skillet.

    6 min

  3. 3.

    Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to skillet and sauté, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beans, bell pepper, and salt and sauté, stirring, 1 minute.

    2 min

  4. 4.

    Stir in coconut milk and remaining tablespoon soy sauce and bring to a boil, then boil, uncovered, until beans are tender, about 6 minutes. Transfer vegetables using a slotted spoon to plate with tofu.

    6 min

  5. 5.

    Simmer sauce until thickened slightly and reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 2 minutes. Stir in lime juice and pour sauce over vegetables and tofu. Sprinkle with cashews.

    2 min