Turmeric Coconut Rice with Crispy Tofu - This turmeric coconut rice is golden, fluffy, and aromatic, topped with crispy tofu and fresh herbs for a colorful, satisfying bowl. The flavor balance is creamy coconut against warm turmeric with a bright lime finish. It is a meal-prep friendly vegetarian dinner that cooks with simple pantry ingredients.

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Turmeric Coconut Rice with Crispy Tofu - Coconut rice turns luxurious when you use the right liquid ratio and keep the simmer gentle so it doesn’t scorch. Turmeric adds warm color and subtle earthiness, while lime and herbs keep the final bowl bright. The tofu becomes crisp when you press out moisture, coat lightly with cornstarch, and pan-fry in a hot skillet—this builds a thin, crunchy exterior with a tender center. Serve the tofu over the rice so the contrast stays strong: fluffy rice, crisp tofu, and fresh herb finish. This method improves weeknight dinner results because it is reliable, repeatable, and easy to customize with vegetables.

Dietary Notes

✓ Vegetarian Dinner
✓ Meal Prep Friendly
✓ Golden Coconut Rice
✓ Crispy Tofu Texture

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Why You'll Love This

Fluffy Golden Rice: Coconut milk and turmeric create a creamy, aromatic base.
Crispy Tofu Bite: Pressing and pan-frying makes tofu crisp, not soggy.
Bright Finish: Lime and herbs balance rich coconut flavor.
Flexible Bowl: Add vegetables or sauces without changing the core method.

Turmeric Coconut Rice with Crispy Tofu

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour

⏰ Prep Time: 20min

❄️ Cool Time: 0

🔥 Cook Time: 25min

🥨 Yield: 4

🍞 Method: Simmering

🌾 Diet: Vegetarian

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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restaurant Ingredients

1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
1 cup coconut milk
1 1/4 cups water
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp kosher salt
14 oz firm tofu
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 scallions, sliced

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✏️

jasmine rice Jasmine rice stays fluffy and fragrant; rinsing removes excess starch so the coconut rice doesn’t turn gummy.
coconut milk Full-fat coconut milk gives a creamy, velvety texture; low-fat can taste thin and less satisfying.
water Water balances coconut richness and prevents overly thick rice; measure carefully for consistent texture.
ground turmeric Turmeric adds golden color and gentle earthiness; stir well so it distributes evenly and doesn’t clump.
kosher salt Salt is essential because coconut can taste flat without it; season rice and tofu so the bowl tastes cohesive.
firm tofu Use firm tofu and press to remove moisture; dry tofu crisps better and prevents soggy texture.
cornstarch Cornstarch creates a thin, crisp coating; shake off excess so the tofu browns evenly instead of turning pasty.
olive oil or neutral oil Use enough hot oil for even browning; insufficient oil can cause sticking and uneven crispness.
lime juice Lime brightens rich coconut flavor and keeps the bowl fresh; add after cooking so the citrus stays lively.
fresh cilantro, chopped Cilantro adds a fresh, green finish; add at the end so it stays aromatic and vibrant.
scallions, sliced Scallions add crisp bite and mild onion flavor; sprinkle last for the best crunch.

list_alt Instructions

1

Rinse jasmine rice until water runs mostly clear - removing surface starch keeps the rice fluffy, not sticky.
2

Combine rice, coconut milk, water, turmeric, and salt in a pot and bring to a gentle simmer - gentle heat prevents coconut from scorching.
3

Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes, then rest 10 minutes off heat - resting finishes steaming for tender grains.
4

Press tofu 15 minutes, then cube and toss with salt and cornstarch - removing moisture and coating builds crisp edges.
5

Pan-fry tofu in hot oil 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp - high heat creates a crunchy exterior without drying the center.
6

Fluff rice with a fork and stir in lime juice - fluffing prevents clumps and lime keeps the flavor bright.
7

Serve rice topped with crispy tofu, cilantro, and scallions - fresh herbs and crunch finish the bowl with contrast.

Nutrition Facts

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Calories 560

Protein 18g

Carbs 68g

Fiber 3g

Sugar 3g

Fat 26g

Sodium 680mg

Potassium N/A

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the rice hot and fluffy, then top with crispy tofu so it stays crunchy. Garnish with cilantro, sliced scallions, and lime wedges for a bright finish. Pair with quick sautéed greens, cucumber salad, or roasted carrots. For extra color, add thin chili slices or toasted sesame seeds right before serving.

How to Store?

Store rice and tofu in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat rice with a splash of water in the microwave or a covered pot. Re-crisp tofu in a skillet or air fryer for best texture. Freeze rice up to 2 months; tofu texture changes when frozen. Make-ahead: cook rice and tofu, then assemble bowls just before eating.

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