04/09/2025
Vegan! Gluten free! Dairy Free 👇👇
Crispy Panko Tofu Skewers with Spicy Coconut-Peanut Sauce on Cauliflower Mash
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Tofu Skewers:
· 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
· ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
· ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat)
· 1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
· 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp smoked paprika
· Neutral oil for frying (avocado, grapeseed)
· Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Spicy Coconut-Peanut Sauce:
· ¼ cup creamy natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
· ½ cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
· 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
· 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
· 1 tbsp lime juice
· 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste)
· 1 small clove garlic, minced
· 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
· Warm water, as needed to thin
For the Cauliflower Mash:
· 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets (approx. 4 cups)
· 2 cloves garlic, peeled
· 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
· 3-4 tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk, warmed
· Salt and white pepper to taste
For Garnish:
· Fresh cilantro leaves
· Crushed roasted peanuts
· Thinly sliced red chili
· Lime wedges
· Microgreens (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the Tofu & Prepare the Cauliflower
· Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes using a tofu press or by wrapping it in paper towels and placing a heavy pan on top.
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until very tender and lightly browned.
2. Make the Cauliflower Mash
· Transfer the roasted cauliflower and garlic to a food processor or blender.
· Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil, warm plant-based milk, salt, and white pepper.
· Blend until completely smooth and velvety. If too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm.
3. Prepare the Tofu Skewers
· Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
· Set up a breading station: In one bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, plant-based milk, and 1 tsp soy sauce. In a second bowl, combine gluten-free panko, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
· Spear 4-5 tofu cubes onto each soaked skewer.
· Dip each skewer into the wet mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll firmly in the panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Ensure each cube is fully coated.
· Heat a ½-inch layer of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Make the Spicy Coconut-Peanut Sauce
· While the tofu cooks, combine all sauce ingredients (peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, ginger) in a small saucepan.
· Whisk over low heat until smooth and warm. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzleable consistency.
5. Plate the Dish
· The Base: Spread a generous swoosh of warm cauliflower mash onto each plate using the back of a spoon.
· The Skewers: Lean two crispy tofu skewers against the mash.
· The Sauce: Drizzle the warm spicy coconut-peanut sauce over and around the skewers and mash.
· The Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, sliced red chili, and fresh cilantro. Add a lime wedge on the side. For a final touch, add a few microgreens.