Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice – Comforting Dinner Made Easy

Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice has a special place in my kitchen memories. Years ago, I stumbled on a small café while traveling, and their peanut tofu blew me away. I remember sitting by the window on a drizzly afternoon, feeling instantly cheered by the rich sauce clinging to golden tofu cubes. Back home, I couldn’t get that taste out of my mind. So, I started testing different ways to recreate it.

Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice served in bowl
Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice served with lime

The first attempts were, let’s say, more amusing than delicious. But once I added creamy coconut rice to the mix, it all came together. That cozy pairing of sweet, fragrant rice with nutty, tender tofu felt just right. Now, whenever I make Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice, it reminds me of that rainy day and the warm meal that made it better. If you love the idea of simple dinners that still feel special, this one’s for you.

You might also like trying a fresh side dish, like this Sesame Garlic Sautéed Purple Cabbage, which adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy rice.

Table of Contents

Why Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice Has Become My Weeknight Staple

Let’s be honest: weeknights can get hectic. I used to rely on the same boring meals, but Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice changed that routine. What I love most is how adaptable it is. If I’m short on time, I grab pre-cooked rice and focus on the tofu. If I want extra flair, I serve it with a bright veggie bowl or even a slice of Bourbon Peach Icebox Cake for dessert. This recipe feels fresh every time. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this dish offers all the comfort you could ask for without any fuss.

How to Make Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Dinner

Gather everything before you start. Having all your ingredients ready makes the cooking process simple and stress-free.

IngredientAmount
Extra-firm tofu14 oz (1 block)
Coconut milk (full-fat)1 can (13.5 oz)
Jasmine rice1 cup
Peanut butter1/3 cup
Soy sauce (or tamari)3 tbsp
Maple syrup1 tbsp
Garlic (minced)2 cloves
Fresh lime juice1 tbsp

If you’re curious about other bold flavor ideas, you might love this Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl for another quick weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Peanut Tofu and Fluffy Coconut Rice

Step 1: Start by pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove extra moisture. This helps it get crisp and hold its shape.

Step 2: While the tofu presses, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine it with coconut milk and ½ cup of water in a pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until the liquid absorbs and the rice turns tender.

jasmine rice

Step 3: Cut the tofu into cubes. In a nonstick skillet, warm a splash of oil over medium heat. Add tofu and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

Tofu cooking in peanut sauce for Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice
Tofu simmering in peanut sauce

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and lime juice. If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon of warm water.

Step 5: Pour the sauce over the tofu. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently so the sauce coats every piece.

Step 6: Fluff the coconut rice with a fork. Serve the tofu on top of the rice, with extra lime wedges if you’d like.

For more creative dinners, check out this colorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl that’s also fast to make.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

Making It Work for Your Pantry – Smart Ingredient Swaps

Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice feels flexible, so you can tweak it based on what you already have. If you run out of jasmine rice, use basmati or even brown rice instead. The texture will be a bit chewier, but the coconut milk still makes it rich. You can also swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you need a different flavor or have an allergy. I’ve tried each option, and they all work beautifully with the savory sauce. If you’d rather avoid soy sauce, tamari is a simple gluten-free alternative that still adds that deep, salty kick.

Another favorite swap is adding vegetables. Toss in crisp bell peppers or steamed broccoli when you combine the tofu and sauce. It bulks up your Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice and adds more color to the plate. This swap works especially well when you pair it with something crunchy, like a bright Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad for contrast.

Adjusting the Recipe for Allergies and Dietary Needs

One reason Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice became my go-to recipe is that you can adjust it for almost any diet. For folks with a coconut allergy, replace the coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. The flavor will be a little less rich, but it still tastes comforting. If you avoid peanuts, almond butter or cashew butter creates a similar creamy texture without any trouble.

Need a gluten-free version? Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and always double-check your tofu label to be safe. If you like a low-carb version, swap out rice for cauliflower rice and drizzle the peanut sauce over the top. The sauce makes everything taste satisfying and bold. I’ve even seen friends serve this Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice alongside Smash Burger Tacos for a fun mix of textures and styles.

Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice served in bowl
Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice served

The beauty of this recipe is that you can keep the spirit of it alive—creamy, nutty, and comforting—no matter which ingredients you adjust.

Tips, Storage, and Serving Ideas

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice makes amazing leftovers, so don’t hesitate to double the batch. Once the dish cools, transfer it to airtight containers. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the rice and tofu in a skillet over medium heat. Splash in a little extra coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. This helps bring back the creamy texture that makes Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice so satisfying.

If you prefer using a microwave, cover your dish with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts and stir often. That way, everything stays moist and delicious. I’ve found that a quick warm-up is all it takes to enjoy this meal again without losing any of the rich peanut flavor. If you love make-ahead meals, you’ll probably enjoy this easy Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce for another weeknight option.

Creative Ways to Serve Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice

You can serve Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice in more ways than you might think. For a casual dinner, pile everything into a big bowl and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. If you’re feeding a crowd, try setting out small bowls of toppings—like sliced green onions, lime wedges, and roasted peanuts—so everyone can customize their plate.

Some nights, I love to serve this meal with a crisp side salad or light dessert. A refreshing Watermelon Sorbet makes the perfect finish, especially in the summer. If you want to keep things extra simple, spoon the tofu and rice into meal prep containers for lunches all week. However you serve it, Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice always feels warm, filling, and full of flavor.

Plated Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice ready to serve
Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice garnished and served

FAQs

How do I make coconut rice with brown rice?

You can make Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice using brown rice instead of jasmine rice. Just rinse the brown rice well, then simmer it with the same amount of coconut milk and an extra ¼ cup of water. Cook for about 35–40 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and the liquid absorbs. Stir often so the coconut milk doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Can I fry the tofu instead of baking it?

Absolutely. Frying works great for Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice. After pressing the tofu, cut it into cubes. Heat a nonstick skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the tofu for about 10 minutes, turning until all sides are golden and crisp. Then, pour in the peanut sauce and cook for a few more minutes.

I’m allergic to coconut. What can I use instead?

If you can’t have coconut, swap the coconut milk in Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice for unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. The flavor will be milder, but you’ll still get a creamy texture.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or cashew butter all work well in Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice. Each one brings a slightly different taste, but they blend smoothly into the sauce.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, it’s simple to make Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice gluten-free. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and always check that your tofu doesn’t contain any additives with gluten

Conclusion

Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice has become one of my favorite comforting dinners. It’s quick, flexible, and always satisfying. Whether you’re making it on a weeknight or prepping lunches for the week, this dish delivers a rich, nutty flavor that never disappoints. If you want more inspiration, try pairing it with crunchy sides or a fresh salad to round out your meal. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create something so flavorful right at home.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice served in bowl

Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice – Comforting Dinner Made Easy


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Jessica
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Creamy Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice is a comforting, protein-rich dinner ready in 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Extra-firm tofu – 14 oz

Coconut milk – 1 can

Jasmine rice – 1 cup

Peanut butter – 1/3 cup

Soy sauce – 3 tbsp

Maple syrup – 1 tbsp

Minced garlic – 2 cloves

Fresh lime juice – 1 tbsp


Instructions

1. Press tofu 15 minutes to remove moisture.

2. Rinse rice until water runs clear.

3. Simmer rice with coconut milk and water 15 minutes.

4. Cube tofu and cook in skillet until golden.

5. Whisk sauce ingredients together.

6. Pour sauce over tofu, cook 2–3 minutes.

7. Fluff rice and serve tofu on top.

Notes

Swap jasmine rice for brown rice if desired.

Use almond or sunflower seed butter for allergies.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Follow me on Pinterest and Medium for more comforting recipes, kitchen stories, and fresh ideas every week.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star