Crispy Tofu & Lemongrass Coconut Curry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden-fried tofu bathed in a fragrant coconut curry sauce with lemongrass and Thai basil, served over fragrant jasmine rice. This thai-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Firm tofu, (13.5 oz) Coconut milk, stalks Lemongrass for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes; heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, add tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: While tofu cooks, finely chop 2 stalks lemongrass (discard tough outer layers, use only tender inner part), mince 3 garlic cloves and 1-inch ginger, then sauté in the skillet for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can coconut milk, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp palm sugar, and 1 thinly sliced red chili to the skillet, stirring to dissolve sugar; bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup packed Thai basil leaves and 14 oz crispy tofu, simmering for 2 minutes until flavors meld; serve over 1 cup cooked jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Tofu & Lemongrass Coconut Curry take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Tofu & Lemongrass Coconut Curry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tofu & Lemongrass Coconut Curry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Tofu & Lemongrass Coconut Curry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Tofu & Lemongrass Coconut Curry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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