Tofu: Coconut Yellow Curry

 🍲 Easy Tofu Coconut Yellow Curry

This recipe is designed to be ready in about 35-40 minutes.

Ingredients

ComponentAmountNotes
Tofu1 Block (14-16 oz) Extra-Firm TofuDrained and pressed.
Aromatics & Sauce2 TbspNeutral oil (vegetable, canola, or coconut)
1 MediumYellow Onion, sliced or diced
3-4 ClovesGarlic, minced
1-inch pieceFresh Ginger, minced or grated
3-4 TbspYellow Curry Paste (Check label for vegan status if needed)
1 Can (13.5 oz)Full-Fat Coconut Milk (do not shake the can)
1 CupVegetable Broth or water
1-2 TspBrown Sugar or Coconut Sugar
1 TbspSoy Sauce or Tamari (for gluten-free)
Veggies1 MediumRed Bell Pepper, sliced
1-2Carrots, sliced on the diagonal
1 CupBroccoli Florets or chopped potato/sweet potato
Finish1 TbspFresh Lime Juice
To TasteSalt and freshly ground black pepper
For ServingFresh Cilantro, Basil, and/or rice

Instructions

1. Prep the Tofu (For Best Texture)

  • Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.

  • Optional but recommended: Toss the tofu cubes with about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a pinch of salt.

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cubes are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides.1 Remove the tofu and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • Add the remaining oil to the same pot/skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

  • Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Curry Base

  • Bloom the Paste: Stir in the yellow curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This "blooming" step deepens the flavor of the spices.

  • Add Creaminess: Open the can of coconut milk without shaking it. Scoop the thick coconut cream from the top and add about 1/4 cup of it to the pot. Stir to dissolve the curry paste. (The high fat content helps the spices "bloom" even more.)

4. Simmer the Curry

  • Pour in the rest of the coconut milk and the vegetable broth (or water).

  • Add the brown sugar, soy sauce/tamari, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.

  • Add the carrots and any tougher vegetables (like potatoes) and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the firmer vegetables are tender.

5. Add Final Veggies and Tofu

  • Add the bell pepper, broccoli florets, and the crispy pre-cooked tofu back into the curry.

  • Simmer, uncovered, for another 5 minutes or until the newer veggies are tender-crisp.

6. Finish and Serve

  • Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice.

  • Taste the curry and adjust seasonings: add more salt for savoriness, more sugar for sweetness, or a dash of lime for brightness.

  • Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished generously with fresh cilantro or basil.

Enjoy! Let me know if you'd like a side dish suggestion to go with the curry!

Comments