Skip to content

Vegetarian, South and Southeast Asian

Pra ram tofu with spinach and jasmine rice

Pra ram tofu is a vegetarian Thai dish for 4 people, ready in 35 minutes, rated easy, for about €2.60 per person. Golden tofu and spinach are covered in a red curry peanut sauce and served over jasmine rice. The key is cooking the curry paste well in coconut cream so it releases its full flavor.

Tonight, tofu and spinach smothered in a creamy, spicy red curry peanut sauce, with jasmine rice.

Pra ram tofu with spinach and jasmine rice
Total time
35 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.60
Calories per person
560 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Pra ram is all about that thick, fragrant peanut sauce built on red curry paste, poured over golden tofu and wilted spinach. Peanut butter brings richness and body, red curry paste adds a gentle kick, and coconut milk smooths everything out. A scattering of crushed peanuts at the end keeps some crunch against the otherwise silky sauce.

This is a stress free weeknight dinner, since the whole thing comes together in 35 minutes with mostly pantry staples. It works well for regular vegetarian meals, and it also appeals to anyone who loves Thai flavors but doesn't want to order takeout. Mon Chou includes it as a change from more familiar tofu dishes.

The ingredients

4 people

Dairy

  • Firm tofu 400 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Fresh spinach 400 g

Pantry

  • Red curry paste 2 tbsp
  • Coconut milkoften in the pantry 25 cl
  • Peanut butter 4 tbsp
  • Soy sauceoften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Sugaroften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Roasted peanuts 30 g
  • Jasmine riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Neutral oiloften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Soy, Peanuts

The step by step recipe

  1. Brown the sliced tofu in the oil until golden, then set aside. 8 min

    Pat the tofu dry first, so it doesn't splatter in the pan.

  2. Cook the jasmine rice in salted water. 12 min

    Stay nearby so you can turn it off at the right moment.

  3. Cook the curry paste with half the coconut milk, add the rest of the coconut milk, the peanut butter, soy sauce, and sugar, and let it thicken. 8 min

    If the sauce gets too thick, add a spoonful of hot water.

  4. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for one minute, drain it, and press out the liquid. 2 min

    Press it well, extra water would dilute the sauce.

  5. Arrange the spinach over the rice, top with the tofu slices, pour over the sauce, and scatter with crushed peanuts.

    The crunchy peanuts add contrast to the smooth sauce.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use firm tofu and drain it well before slicing, otherwise it releases water while cooking and won't brown properly.
  • Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt or sugar depending on your curry paste brand, since they vary a lot in saltiness.
  • Cook the rice while the tofu browns so everything finishes around the same time and reaches the table hot.

The variations

  • Swap the tofu for sliced chicken if you're not cooking vegetarian, browning it the same way.
  • For a milder version that works for kids, cut the red curry paste in half and add an extra spoon of coconut milk.
  • If you're short on time, use precooked rice that's ready in minutes and go straight to making the sauce.

What to serve it with

  • Fresh sliced cucumber
  • Iced lemon tea
  • Light spring rolls as a starter

Storage

Pra ram keeps 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, ideally with the rice and sauce stored separately. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Freezing isn't recommended since the spinach and tofu change texture once thawed.

Questions about this dish

Can you substitute the peanut butter with something else?

Yes, unsweetened peanut paste or cashew butter both work well. Avoid very sweet versions, since they'll throw off the balance of the sauce.

Can you make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce the day before and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Reheat it gently with a splash of hot water before serving.

How do you make this milder for kids who don't like spice?

Cut the red curry paste down to half or even a third of the amount. You can also serve the sauce on the side so everyone can adjust it themselves.

What type of tofu works best for browning?

Use firm tofu, not silken tofu, which would fall apart while cooking. Well drained and patted dry, it browns easily in the pan without sticking.

How long does it take to make a pra ram with tofu, peanut sauce spinach, and jasmine rice?

Count 35 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a pra ram with tofu, peanut sauce spinach, and jasmine rice?

About 560 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a pra ram with tofu, peanut sauce spinach, and jasmine rice cost?

About €2.60 per serving, or €10.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains soy, peanuts. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

South and Southeast Asian Cuisines

See all

Recipes with spinach

See all