Crispy Tofu with Tamarind Sauce: Easy Thai Recipe

Updated at: 01/06/2025

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and plant-based meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this Tamarind Egg Tofu recipe! This dish perfectly balances the subtle sweetness of tamarind with the satisfyingly firm texture of egg tofu, creating a taste sensation that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The vibrant, tangy sauce coats each piece of tofu beautifully, making it an irresistible vegetarian or vegan option perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. Forget complicated Asian cuisine; this recipe simplifies the process while delivering authentic Thai flavors.

Forget takeout; this recipe is unbelievably simple to prepare. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • knife
  • frying pan
  • spatula
  • gas stove

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Tofu and Shallot Garnish

  • Chop 100 grams of shallots.
  • Fry the shallots in a pan. Add dried chilies as desired.
  • Cut the egg tofu into bite-sized pieces.
  • Coat the egg tofu with 100 grams of crispy fried flour. Mix well.
Chop 100 grams of shallots.Fry the shallots in a pan. Add dried chilies as desired.Cut the egg tofu into bite-sized pieces.Coat the egg tofu with 100 grams of crispy fried flour. Mix well.
Prepare the Tofu and Shallot Garnish
  • Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the egg tofu until golden brown and crispy. Do not stir frequently to avoid mushiness.
  • Once the egg tofu is set, use a spatula to separate the pieces to prevent sticking. Continue frying until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the egg tofu and drain excess oil. Set aside.
  • Fry the shallots until light yellow and crispy. Avoid over-frying, which can cause bitterness.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the egg tofu until golden brown and crispy. Do not stir frequently to avoid mushiness.Once the egg tofu is set, use a spatula to separate the pieces to prevent sticking. Continue frying until golden brown and crispy.Remove the egg tofu and drain excess oil. Set aside.Fry the shallots until light yellow and crispy. Avoid over-frying, which can cause bitterness.
Prepare the Tofu and Shallot Garnish
  • Remove shallots and let them cool, fanning them to crisp them further.
  • Fry the dried chilies until cooked and crispy.
Remove shallots and let them cool, fanning them to crisp them further.Fry the dried chilies until cooked and crispy.
Prepare the Tofu and Shallot Garnish

Step 2. Make the Tamarind Sauce

  • Combine 5 tablespoons coconut sugar, 5 tablespoons concentrated tamarind juice, and 2 tablespoons fish sauce. Simmer over low heat until thick.
Make the tamarind sauce: Combine 5 tablespoons coconut sugar, 5 tablespoons concentrated tamarind juice, and 2 tablespoons fish sauce. Simmer over low heat until thick.
Make the Tamarind Sauce

Step 3. Fry the Tofu to Perfection

  • Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the egg tofu until golden brown and crispy. Do not stir frequently to avoid mushiness.
  • Once the egg tofu is set, use a spatula to separate the pieces to prevent sticking. Continue frying until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the egg tofu and drain excess oil. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the egg tofu until golden brown and crispy. Do not stir frequently to avoid mushiness.Once the egg tofu is set, use a spatula to separate the pieces to prevent sticking. Continue frying until golden brown and crispy.Remove the egg tofu and drain excess oil. Set aside.
Fry the Tofu to Perfection

Step 4. Assemble and Serve

  • Arrange the crispy egg tofu on a plate, top with fried shallots, and drizzle with tamarind sauce.
Assemble the dish: Arrange the crispy egg tofu on a plate, top with fried shallots, and drizzle with tamarind sauce.
Assemble and Serve

Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)

Tips

  • If you don't have egg tofu, you can use other types of tofu or even tube-shaped eggs.
  • Fanning the fried shallots after frying helps to crisp them further and enhances their color and flavor.
  • Don't over-fry the shallots; a light yellow color is ideal. Over-frying will result in bitterness.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of tofu?

While firm or extra-firm tofu works best for achieving crispy results, you can experiment with other types. Just be aware that softer tofu may require a longer pressing time to remove excess moisture and might not crisp up as well.

2. What can I substitute for tamarind paste?

If you don't have tamarind paste, you can try using lime juice mixed with a touch of brown sugar and a pinch of salt to mimic the tangy-sweet flavor. However, the taste won't be exactly the same.


This Crispy Tofu with Tamarind Sauce recipe is a testament to how simple and delicious plant-based cooking can be. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish as a quick weeknight meal or a more elaborate addition to your next gathering. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.