Vegan Thai Green Curry with Tofu

This vegan Thai Green Curry with Tofu is filled with fresh green vegetables and pan-fried tofu for an easy healthy and delicious weeknight meal.

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The first time I ate Thai food was in 2001.

I was 19-year-old kid who had spent most of the last 10 years in the suburbs of Chicago where my idea of ethnic food was the Chicken Fajitas as Chilis and Asia food fell into one simple category: Chinese Food. Okay, okay, I’m exaggerating a little but the point is I was embarrassingly uncultured at the time I went off to college.

Fortunately, I met many people who had lived outside of small towns and suburbs who were eager to teach me the ways of the world. (I know. I am stereotyping). And about a year into college I learned one of the most significant worldly lessons to date: There’s a thing. It’s called Thai food. Eat lots of it. You see, a friend had convinced me to let him take me out and although most of the evening went horribly wrong, it was the night I fell in love…

with Vegan Thai Green Curry.

Yes, it was love at first bite.

Since then, for the past decade and a half, I have explored the many amazing flavors and textures of Thai food. I love all the curries and noodles; I can’t get enough! I’ve even shared a couple of recipes here on the blog, such as my Pumpkin Peanut Thai Curry and Easy Pad Thai but Vegan Thai Green Curry has always had a special place in my heart.

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS THAI GREEN CURRY:

For this green curry recipe you will need:

• coconut oil
• extra firm tofu
• onion
• green bell pepper
• green curry paste
• coconut milk
• vegetable broth
• bamboo shoots
• frozen peas
• Thai basil
• maple syrup

Let’s take a closer look at some of these ingredients.

WHAT KIND OF CURRY PASTE SHOULD I USE?

For this recipe, I choose green curry paste. Green curry paste is a fiery blend of green chilis, garlic, ginger, green onions and lots of spices; it’s amazing! You can find it at your local grocery stores in the International aisle or on Amazon. This is the brand that I use.

The heat of green curry will vary from brand to brand, so I recommend adjusting the curry paste as you go.

BEST TOFU FOR THAI CURRY

For this recipe, look for extra-firm tofu that is not water-packed, such as Trader Joe’s High-Protein Tofu or Wildwood’s Super Firm or 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 or a weighted, towel-lined cutting board. Press the tofu for at least 1 hour.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT CRISPY TOFU:

• Use extra-firm, high-quality tofu that is not water-packed. 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 or a weighted, towel-lined cutting board
• Use a cast-iron skillet (or another heavy-bottomed pan).  Cast iron heats up SUPERHOT and when oiled properly has a non-stick surface.  
• Heat the skillet SUPER HOT before adding the oil.
• Add your oil and get it to sizzle! Test the heat with a drop of water. If it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to add the tofu.
• Add tofu with a pinch of salt.
• Use a large enough pan that the tofu can get evenly golden brown. Flip tofu to brown on both sides. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THAI GREEN CURRY

IS THIS CURRY RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE?

Yes it is!

IS THIS THAI NOODLE SOUP KETO-FRIENDLY?

Sure! Just swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.

HOW DO I STORE THAI RED CURRY?

You can store leftover curry 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.

VARIATIONS OF THAI GREEN CURRY

• Don’t like tofu? Omit the tofu and serve this curry dish with tempeh, button mushrooms, or eggplant.
• For a grain-free option, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.
• For more heat, add additional green curry paste to the sauce.
• For a lighter option, use light coconut milk rather than full-fat.

MORE VEGAN CURRY RECIPES

Do you love curry recipes as much as I do? Then you should check out these recipes below:

• Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry
• Eggplant and Chickpea Curry
• Thai Sweet Potato Curry
• Pumpkin Peanut Curry with Tofu

But before you go, let’s take a look at the recipe card below.

Vegan Thai Green Curry

This vegan Thai Green Curry with Tofu is filled with fresh green vegetables and pan-fried tofu for a easy healthy and delicious weeknight meal.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Print

Course: Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: Vegan Thai Green Curry
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 621 kcal
Author: Sarah McMinn

Ingredients

Green Curry

• 4 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
• 8 ounces extra firm tofu
• 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vegan fish sauce, optional
• salt, to taste

Serve with

• fresh lime wedges
• Thai basil
• cooked rice or rice noodles

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. In a large cast-iron skillet heat up 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Cut tofu in 1/2" thick triangles and place in hot oil. Lightly fry on each side for 2-3 minutes. Transfer tofu to a plate and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, heat remaining oil and reduce heat to medium. Add onions and peppers and sauté until tender and cooked partially, through about 5 minutes. Transfer to the plate with tofu.

3. Keeping heat at medium add green curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetable broth to the empty skillet. Stir until curry paste is dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add tofu and vegetable back to the skillet with the coconut milk/broth mixture and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in Thai basil, maple syrup, vegan fish sauce (if using) and salt to taste. Remove from heat.
5. Serve over rice or rice noodles with fresh basil and lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Thai Green Curry

Amount Per Serving

Calories 621 Calories from Fat 477

% Daily Value*

Fat 53g82%

Saturated Fat 45g281%

Sodium 495mg22%

Potassium 644mg18%

Carbohydrates 35g12%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 20g22%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 2365IU47%

Vitamin C 81.6mg99%

Calcium 88mg9%

Iron 5.4mg30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.