One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables
Creamy coconut curry broth infused with Thai spices, simmered with rice noodles, tofu cubes, and fresh vegetables for a comforting and fragrant one-pot meal. This thai-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, can coconut milk, vegetable broth 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 14 oz can coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp red curry paste and cook for another 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in 14 oz can coconut milk and 3 cups vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz rice noodles, 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 large julienned carrot, and 1 cup halved green beans. Simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until noodles are tender and vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Return the golden tofu cubes to the pot. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through and meld flavors before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables?
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 rice noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables?
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 One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables 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 One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables 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.