Simmered Tofu and Green Bean Curry
Velvety tofu and crisp green beans simmer in a fragrant coconut curry base, enhanced with Burmese-inspired spice blends. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, green beans, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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, cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces green beans
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 2, sliced green chilies
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 14 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and golden.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 2 sliced green chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp curry powder and cook for 1 minute to release its oils.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup cut green beans and 14 oz cubed tofu. Pour in 14 oz full-fat coconut milk and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until green beans are tender but still crisp.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust with 1 tsp sugar if needed. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Tofu and Green Bean Curry 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 Tofu and Green Bean 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 Simmered Tofu and Green Bean 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 Simmered Tofu and Green Bean 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 Simmered Tofu and Green Bean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A new favorite! The green beans held their crunch and the tofu soaked up the curry sauce beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Loved this for dinner with my kids! The tofu was so tender and the curry had a perfect spice level.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Simple and tasty, perfect for a weeknight.
