Simmered Thai Green Curry with Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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

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.

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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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