I’ve got another one for ya! Try this healthy, yummy vegan coconut curry with tofu and broccolini! This delicious Thai coconut curry is dairy-free and only takes 30 minutes. It’s completely gluten-free and it’s PACKED with all the flavors that’ll make your tastebuds do a little dance!
If you know anything about me, then you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE curry. Give me all the curries and I am one happy gal. Perhaps, that's why you'll find so many vegan curry recipes on my blog. But one can never have too much curry and that is why I am back today with another curry recipe featuring one of my favorite foods of all time: tofu
I think you're going to love this coconut curry recipe, too. Its:
- rich and creamy
- packed with protein
- hearty and wholesome
- spiced to PERFECTION
Ready to take a closer look? Let's dive in!
Recommended Ingredients & Equipment
Curry is one of my favorite meals. It is easy to make. Most curries can be made in about 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. They are wildly versatile. And it's a dish that is good for you! They are typically packed with veggies, protein, and healthy fats and are easily made vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rice - Feel free to use either use brown, white, or, for a low carb option, cauliflower rice. This dish can also be made with rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- Oil - I recommend coconut oil however peanut, sesame, or avocado are also great options.
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red Curry Paste - You can make your own if you'd like, but I buy my red curry paste at the store. My favorite brand is Thai Kitchen.
- Spices - You will need cumin, coriander, and paprika
- Red Bell Pepper
- Broccolini - Broccoli can be substituted.
- Extra-Firm Tofu - Look for extra-firm tofu that is not water-packed, such as Trader Joe’s High-Protein Tofu or Super Firm Sprouted Tofu. These types of tofu do not have excess water and do not need to be pressed. If you have to use water-packed tofu make sure to press as much water as you can out of it first by using a tofu press(<<affiliate link) or a weighted, towel-lined cutting board.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk - This recipe calls for canned coconut milk (rather than in a carton). For a lighter option, you can use light coconut milk.
- Maple Syrup
- Lime
- Fresh Cilantro
Recommended Equipment
For this recipe, you will need a saucepot, skillet, basic kitchen utensils, including a chef’s knife. (<<affiliate links)
Check out the full list of my recommended kitchen tools and gadgets.
How to make vegan tofu curry
Step One – Sauté the Vegetables
Add coconut oil to a large skillet and place over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until they are translucent and fragrant. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they have filled your house with the sweet aroma of onions, add the curry paste, spices, broccolini, and bell peppers and sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Pour the coconut milk, lime juice, and maple syrup over the vegetables, reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step Two - Pan-Fry to the Tofu
While the vegetables are simmering, we can pan-fry the tofu. To do this, heat up an additional 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Once the oil is super hot, add the tofu - it should sizzle when it hits the pan - and pan-fry the tofu for 5-7 minutes until it is evenly browned on all sides.
Step Three – Add it All Together
Add the pan-fried tofu to the vegetables and continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and serve!
Serving and Storing
Serving - For best results, this coconut curry should be eaten shortly after it's made. Serve over rice, rice noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Storing - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To eat leftovers, gently reheat the stir fry over the stove or in the microwave.
Coconut curry with tofu FAQ
This is a definite yes! Replacing tofu with tempeh, chickpeas, or even some crispy soy curls can give you a slightly different flavor with wonderful results. I’ve even seen people trade in some chicken or fish here, but keep in mind it will no longer be a plant-based meal.
This is a naturally gluten-free meal. However, please make sure your soy sauce or tamari does not include gluten, as some do have traces of it. Other than that, we love this as a light and easy to make dinner for anyone who has gluten allergies.
For the best and crispiest tofu, be sure to press it for at least 15 minutes. Do this by wrapping the raw tofu in paper towels. Then place it under a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet. After you remove the tofu, pat it dry then cut it up. Be sure to coat your tofu pieces with corn starch before frying or baking. This will soak up any residual moisture.
Yes, and we love this idea. Especially when it comes to curry. All those spices and aromatics love to develop flavors over time. Plus, the tofu will soak up some of the curry as it sits overnight or longer. Be sure to store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, or you made some to eat next month, freeze this curry. Just wrap your container in a freezer bag to keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
More Vegan Curry Recipes
- Vegan Massaman Curry
- Eggplant and Chickpea Curry
- Thai Sweet Potato Curry
- Thai Green Curry
- Pumpkin Peanut Curry with Tofu
Coconut Curry with Tofu
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice, equals 1 cup uncooked
- 3 tbsp. coconut oil, divided
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp. red curry paste
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. coriander
- ½ tsp. paprika
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 heaping cup broccolini florets
- 16 oz. extra-firm tofu, cut into 1" cubes
- 1 (15 oz )can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup cilantro, minced
Instructions
- Start by cooking rice according to package instructions.
- While the rice cooks, prepare the coconut curry. Dice and mince the onion, garlic, and ginger. Thinly slice the bell peppers and cut the broccolini into small florets. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the onions and garlic and saute for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Stir in the ginger and sauté for an additional minute. Add the red curry paste and spices, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the red pepper and broccoli and stir to coat. Pour in the coconut milk, maple syrup, and lime juice. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer while you make the tofu.
- In a separate skillet, heat the additional 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu. It should sizzle as it hits the pan. Pan-fry the tofu for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the tofu is evenly coated on all sides.
- Transfer the tofu to the coconut curry and continue to simmer until sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.
- To serve, evenly divide the rice between 4 bowls. Top with coconut curry, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a 14-year (and counting) vegan, professionally trained photographer, former pastry chef, founder of My Darling Vegan, and author of the
Grace Cordts says
can this be frozen?
Cheryl says
This is so good! I love it. pretty easy too which is even better. Hubby loves it too.
Joshua Howard says
Wow! I love everyhting made with tofu! I want to try your recipe but I don't have maple syrup. Can it be made without it?
Sarah says
Sure, you certainly don't need a sweetener but you could add just like 1-2 tsp brown sugar.