Spiced Coconut Thai Curry with Tofu and Vegetables
A fragrant Thai-inspired coconut curry loaded with tofu, bell peppers, and snap peas simmered in a blend of spices for vibrant flavor. This thai-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, coconut oil, red curry paste 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 extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 lime wedges
- 2 cups (for serving) steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 tbsp red curry paste, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and combined with the tofu.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, then add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar, then bring the curry to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves. Serve hot over 2 cups steamed jasmine rice with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Coconut Thai Curry 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 Spiced Coconut Thai Curry 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 coconut oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Coconut Thai Curry 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 Spiced Coconut Thai Curry 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 Spiced Coconut Thai Curry with Tofu and Vegetables vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.