Sweet & Savory Coconut Curry

Ingredients

1 block of extra firm tofu, pat dry and cut into thin planks (I use a local brand that comes in a 16 oz container)

salt and pepper

2-3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil such as avocado, grapeseed, or canola

1 onion, sliced

1 inch of chopped fresh ginger

6 cloves sliced garlic

1 bird's eye chili, sliced (can sub red pepper flakes)

1 can coconut milk (unsweetened, full fat)

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten free alternative)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 heads of sliced broccoli

1 cup chopped green beans

1 bunch of mint, leaves torn off the stem

1 bunch of scallions, sliced thinly (you can use white and green parts)

1 small bunch cilantro (optional)

1-2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Method

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil to the pan and let heat up before adding tofu slices that you've seasoned with salt and pepper. Don't crowd the pan; fry them in two batches.

Cook each batch of tofu 3-5 minutes on each side, until deeply golden. When each batch is golden-brown, transfer to a plate and set aside.

Once all the tofu is browned and set aside on the plate, heat a little extra oil in the pot (if needed) before adding the sliced onion.

Briefly stir fry the onion on high heat before adding in the ginger, garlic, and bird's eye chili. Cook this all together 1-2 minutes to allow the garlic to soften, but don't burn it.

Add in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and brown sugar and bring to a simmer.

Let the sauce simmer 3-4 minutes to thicken a bit before adding in the garlic and the green beans. Then simmer 5-10 more minutes, until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness - I like them to be pretty soft but I don't cook them so long that the green color loses its vibrancy. Taste for salt and add if needed.

When the sauce has thickened to a richer consistency and the veggies are about done, add the tofu back in. Toss to coat in the sauce.

Add in the sliced scallions, mint, and cilantro, and toss to let them all warm through slightly. Stir in the rice wine vinegar.

Serve over jasmine rice and top with sesame seeds.