Easy Thai Green Curry with Tofu and Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Thai Green Curry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines creamy coconut milk, fragrant green curry paste, and fresh vegetables with crispy tofu for a satisfying meal. You can easily customize it with your favorite protein or vegetables.

A round plate holds a dish with two main parts: on the left, a dome-shaped mound of white steamed rice topped with small green basil leaves and thin slices of red chili peppers; on the right, a creamy green curry with rich, smooth sauce, filled with layers including golden fried tofu cubes, dark purple eggplant slices, bright red bell pepper strips, pale green zucchini slices, and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top; the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup Thai green curry paste
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 11oz / 300g firm tofu (or protein of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (or 1-2 tsp fish sauce)
  • ½ eggplant
  • ½ red bell pepper / capsicum
  • ½ large zucchini
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Cube of fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Handful fresh basil leaves
  • Squeeze of lime juice or 2-3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Fresh red chillies (optional garnish for additional spice)
  • Jasmine rice or basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press the tofu for about 15 minutes using a tofu press or by placing it between clean kitchen towels or paper towels with a heavy object on top, like a pot, to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the vegetables by dicing the garlic and ginger. Thinly slice the zucchini, red bell pepper, and eggplant into half-moon shapes.
  3. Step 3: (Optional) Sprinkle the eggplant with salt and let it sweat for 5-10 minutes. Then pat dry with paper towels to reduce bitterness and excess water.
  4. Step 4: Cut the pressed tofu into cubes and toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and sauté for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  6. Step 6: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the garlic and ginger. Sauté over low to medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Add the green curry paste to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes to fry it down and release its aromas.
  8. Step 8: Pour in the coconut milk, 1 cup of water, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. If using kaffir lime leaves, add them now.
  9. Step 9: Add the eggplant and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the remaining vegetables (bell pepper and zucchini) and cook for 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness.
  10. Step 10: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and a good squeeze of lime juice. Add half of the cooked tofu to the curry and serve alongside jasmine or basmati rice. Top each serving with the remaining tofu cubes and garnish with fresh red chillies if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Pressing tofu well before cooking ensures it crisps up nicely without becoming soggy.
  • Substitute tofu with chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein for variation.
  • Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a richer, more authentic flavor.
  • Add bamboo shoots or baby corn for extra texture and variety.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add more green curry paste or fresh chillies to taste.

Storage

Store leftover green curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. The tofu may soften after refrigeration, but the flavors will remain delicious.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white round plate filled with a serving of white steamed rice shaped into a neat mound on the left side, decorated with small bright green basil leaves and thin slices of red chili on top. Surrounding the rice is a creamy light green curry sauce filled with golden brown fried tofu cubes, dark purple eggplant slices, red bell pepper strips, and green zucchini pieces mixed with a few fresh green basil leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this curry vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan when using tofu and soy sauce instead of fish sauce. Just be sure to check the curry paste ingredients as some brands may contain shrimp paste.

What can I serve with Thai green curry?

Jasmine rice or basmati rice are the most common and delicious options. You can also serve it with rice noodles or quinoa for a different twist.

Print

Easy Thai Green Curry with Tofu and Vegetables Recipe

This easy and flavorful Thai Green Curry recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring firm tofu, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic green curry paste, this dish offers a delicious balance of creamy coconut milk with a spicy kick. Served alongside jasmine or basmati rice, it’s a comforting and wholesome meal inspired by classic Thai cuisine.

  • Author: luca
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Protein

  • 11oz / 300g firm tofu (or protein of choice)
  • ½ eggplant, thinly sliced into half moon circles
  • ½ red bell pepper/capsicum, thinly sliced
  • ½ large zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, diced
  • Cube fresh ginger, diced
  • Handful fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh red chillies (optional garnish for additional spice)

Liquids and Seasonings

  • ¼ cup Thai green curry paste
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (or 12 tsp fish sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Squeeze of lime juice or 2-3 kaffir lime leaves

Other

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Press the tofu for about 15 minutes using a tofu press or by placing it between clean kitchen towels with a heavy object on top, such as a pot, to remove excess moisture for better frying.
  2. Prepare vegetables: Dice the garlic and fresh ginger. Thinly slice the zucchini, red bell pepper, and eggplant into half moon shapes for even cooking.
  3. Optional – sweat the eggplant: Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 5-10 minutes to sweat out bitterness, then pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Coat tofu: Cut pressed tofu into cubes and toss gently in a bowl with cornstarch to create a light coating, which helps to achieve a golden crust.
  5. Sauté tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  6. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with diced garlic and ginger. Cook over low to medium heat for 1 minute to release their fragrance.
  7. Cook curry paste: Add green curry paste to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes, allowing the paste to fry down and release its complex aromas.
  8. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk, 1 cup of water, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a simmer; cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes. Add kaffir lime leaves at this stage if using.
  9. Cook vegetables: Add the eggplant slices first and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the sliced bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
  10. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil leaves and squeeze in lime juice. Add half of the cooked tofu into the curry. Serve hot with jasmine or basmati rice and garnish with the remaining tofu and optional fresh red chillies.

Notes

  • Pressing tofu removes moisture to help it fry crispier.
  • Sweating eggplant reduces bitterness and excess water.
  • Use fish sauce instead of soy sauce for a more authentic flavor if desired.
  • Adjust the amount of green curry paste to control spiciness.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
  • Garnish with fresh chillies for extra heat if preferred.

Keywords: Thai green curry, tofu curry, easy Thai dinner, vegetarian curry, coconut milk curry, quick dinner recipe, stovetop curry

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