I saw a shrimp-based version of this recipe in Chatelaine magazine a few years ago and have been serving-up veganized ever since. In fact, made it for my parents when I was home visiting them last month. Instead of shrimp, I use tofu, and I marinade it for a little while before grilling it. The coconut rice is simple and delicious, and it pairs so well with the spicy tofu, cool cucumber, and sweet mango.
NOTE: Although the original recipe called forย barbecuingย the shrimp tofu, I find that it’s equally good sautรฉed on the stove. So while it’s a great summer recipe, this is also nice any time of the year when you’re in the mood for something with a little tropical flair! I’ve included both options in the recipe below.
Coconut Rice Salad with Mango, Cucumber and Spicy BBQ Tofu
Exotic island-style creamy coconut rice is topped with spicy barbecued tofu in this cheerful vegan and gluten-free dish.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 24 mins
- Total Time: 34 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main, Salad
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked for 20 minutes (if barbecuing)
- 400-mL can coconut milk
- 1 cup (250 mL) basmati or other long-grain rice
- 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cardamom (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) crushed red chili pepper
- 1/2 lb (250 g) green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and sliced into thin bite-size strips
- 1/2 English cucumber, coarsely chopped
- 1 package firm tofu, cut into triangles
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 tsp (5 mL) each ground coriander and garlic powder
- fresh coriander (cilantro) (garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Place tofu in a bowl. Add oil, coriander and garlic salt. Toss to coat and set aside.
- Pour coconut milk into a large measuring cup. Add water to make 2+1/2 cups (625 mL). Pour into a large saucepan. Stir in rice, cardamom, cinnamon stick, salt and crushed red chili pepper. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir and reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, 10 min.
- After rice has cooked 10 min, scatter beans on top of rice. Cover and cook, until liquid is absorbed, 10 min.
- Discard cinnamon stick if using. Pour rice mixture into a large bowl. Gently fold in onions, mango and cucumber. Set aside.
- If barbecuing the tofu: Oil grill and preheat barbecue to medium. Thread 4 to 5 tofu triangles on a skewer. For easy turning, thread a second skewer through tofu. Repeat. Grill for about 2 min per side. Otherwise, heat oil in frying pan and sautรฉ tofu for a few minutes, until lightly browned.
- Serve tofu over coconut rice salad, garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro).
Notes
Adapted from: Shrimp with coconut rice salad, Chatelaine Magazine
Hi Angela,
This was a hit recipe. The best one in the potluck I recently had. Thanks for sharing. I am going to try out more of your recipes.
Love,
Jyoti
Hey that’s awesome! Thanks for taking the time to comment ๐
That looks amazing! Glad I found your blog! I’ll def be stopping by again!!
Hi Katie – Thanks so much, let me know if you make anything ๐
This is making my mouth water and its 8:30 a.m. Haha – I’m going food shopping for the last weekend at the cottage and I am going to make this to have on the dock for one of the last days of Summer. Looks deeeelish!
Hi Jackie – Wow, what an honor to be one of the last summer meals ๐ I hope you like it!
Vegangela!!
You rock! Most inspirational vegan blog I’ve ever subscribed to! Already made so many of the recipes and get complements every time!..Big Up! CiCI
Hi CiCi – Thanks so much for the kind comments, it means the world to me! Keep in touch! ๐
Delish! Making this as soon as I’ve tracked down a ripe mango. I think it would be amazing with a drizzle of hot sauce. Have you seen my sriracha recipe? http://aveganobsession.blogspot.com/2011/09/hot-n-zesty-sriracha-tofu-secret-recipe.html
Love your blog. Following you now. x
Yum, that would be awesome! I love your blog too! I’m checking out that recipe now! ๐
I love mango and cilantro together. Great favor pairings here ๐
Thanks Yuri! ๐
Your tofu looks fantastic. I’m not a huge mango fan (like the flavor but not so much the texture) but my husband would eat this up like it was his job.
Thanks! Do you like peaches? I think those might be good instead?
Oh summer, please don’t leave me! I want year-round tropical dishes like this one!
Ha ha you’re too funny. I hear you though, I could eat this stuff everyday! ๐