Coconut Lemongrass Braised Tofu with Sesame Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky tofu simmered in a fragrant coconut sauce with fresh lemongrass and sesame, topped with scallions. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, coconut milk, lemongrass for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1/2 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp minced lemongrass, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp minced ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Pour sauce over tofu in a shallow dish and marinate for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add tofu with sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then stir into skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Lemongrass Braised Tofu with Sesame Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut Lemongrass Braised Tofu with Sesame Scallions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Lemongrass Braised Tofu with Sesame Scallions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut Lemongrass Braised Tofu with Sesame Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Coconut Lemongrass Braised Tofu with Sesame Scallions gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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