Thai Green Curry with Tofu and Vegetables
A creamy and aromatic Thai green curry featuring firm tofu, bell peppers, and eggplant, served over jasmine rice. This thai-inspired vegan ready in about 45 minutes pairs tofu, green curry paste, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 300g tofu
- 2 tbsp green curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 eggplant
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 200ml vegetable broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Press the 300g tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1cm cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure even browning. Tip: Pressing prevents the tofu from becoming soggy during cooking.
- Step 2: Dice the 2 bell peppers into 1cm cubes and cut the 1 eggplant into 2cm cubes. Place the eggplant in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out bitterness. Rinse and pat dry. Tip: Salting eggplant reduces its bitterness and helps it hold shape during cooking.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Gently stir and cook 2-3 minutes longer until all sides are lightly browned. Tip: Avoid stirring too early to allow the tofu to develop a crust.
- Step 4: Add the 2 tbsp green curry paste to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Tip: Toasting the curry paste enhances its depth of flavor.
- Step 5: Pour in the 400ml coconut milk and 200ml vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the bell peppers and eggplant cubes, stirring to submerge.
- Step 6: Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and the vegetables are tender. Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add 2-3 tbsp water to adjust consistency.
- Step 7: Meanwhile, cook the 1 cup jasmine rice according to package instructions, usually 12-15 minutes in boiling water or 18-20 minutes in a rice cooker.
- Step 8: Once the curry is ready, ladle it over the cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a drizzle of coconut milk if desired. Tip: For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp shredded coconut just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thai Green Curry with Tofu and Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Thai Green 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 tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Green 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 Thai Green 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.
What goes well with Thai Green Curry with Tofu and Vegetables?
Thai vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Thai come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.