Simmered Thai Green Curry with Tofu

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant coconut curry with firm tofu, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil, simmered to perfection. This thai-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, green curry paste, (13.5 oz) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp green curry paste and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup bamboo shoots, 14 oz tofu cubes, 1 tsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves just before serving, ensuring they wilt but retain their aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Thai Green Curry with Tofu 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 Simmered Thai Green Curry with Tofu?

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 Simmered Thai Green Curry with Tofu?

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 Simmered Thai Green Curry with Tofu 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 Simmered Thai Green Curry with Tofu 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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