Vegan Thai Green Curry

This Vegan Thai Green Curry is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its vibrant flavors and comforting texture. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. The combination of fresh herbs and creamy coconut milk creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The blend of fresh herbs and spices makes each bite a burst of flavor.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious curry in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies like broccoli and loaded with plant-based protein from tofu, it’s nutritious and filling.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own; it’s adaptable to your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This curry keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Vegan Thai Green Curry, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• High-speed blender
• Large deep skillet
• Oven-safe sheet pans
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• High-speed blender: Ensures a smooth curry paste by blending herbs and spices efficiently.
• Large deep skillet: Provides ample space to sauté the curry paste and combine ingredients without spilling.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 block (16 oz) extra firm tofu
– 1 large head young broccoli, cut into florets (also called broccolini)
– Avocado oil
– Kosher salt and white pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp (18 g) avocado oil
– 1/4 cup (70 g) Thai green curry paste
– 2 (50 g) shallots, roughly chopped
– 5 garlic cloves (21 g)
– 2” piece (18 g) ginger, finely minced
– 3 fresh lemongrass stalks, finely minced (use the soft inner part) (18 g)
– 1/2 cup (10 g) fresh thai basil
– 1 bunch cilantro (45 g), stems only, roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup (20 g) cilantro leaves, packed
– 2 (14 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup water (add little by little)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp coconut sugar
– 6 lime leaves, torn
– 1/2 cup thai basil leaves
– 1 lime, both zest and juice
– Kosher salt to taste
– Jasmine white rice

How to Make Vegan Thai Green Curry

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Tear the tofu into small bite-size chunks, and chop the broccoli into small florets.

Step 2: Prepare Tofu and Broccoli

• Add the tofu chunks to one pan.
• Toss the tofu with white pepper and salt, then drizzle a generous amount of avocado oil over it. Toss again.
• In the second pan, toss the broccoli in salt and avocado oil as well.

Step 3: Bake Tofu and Broccoli

Bake the tofu for about 22 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Bake the broccoli for about 10–12 minutes until just beginning to brown on top.

Step 4: Make Curry Paste

In a high-speed blender, add all curry paste ingredients:
* Shallots
* Garlic
* Ginger
* Lemongrass

Blend on low speed first, tamping down until they form a paste. Increase speed to medium until smooth and bright green.

Step 5: Sauté Curry Paste

Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add in about 3–4 tablespoons of canned coconut milk:
* Wait for it to bubble before adding your blended curry paste.
* Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often. If sticking occurs, deglaze with more coconut milk.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Next, add:
* Coconut milk
* Soy sauce
* Coconut sugar

Mix well until you achieve a silky mixture. Add lime leaves and simmer on medium heat for around five minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Add in baked tofu and broccoli:
* Stir gently to combine.
* Lower the heat, cover partially with a lid, and let cook for an additional five minutes. Adjust salt as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Remove lime leaves from the dish. Stir in fresh thai basil, lime zest, and lime juice right before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Thai Green Curry over jasmine white rice!

How to Serve Vegan Thai Green Curry

Serving Vegan Thai Green Curry can enhance the dining experience and highlight its vibrant flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement this dish.

With Jasmine Rice

• Jasmine rice is a classic pairing for Thai curries. Its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture soak up the rich curry sauce beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top your curry with fresh cilantro and basil for an extra burst of flavor. The herbs add freshness that balances the creamy coconut milk.

With Lime Wedges

• Serve lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the curry brightens the dish and adds a zesty kick.

Accompanied by Crispy Tofu

• For added texture, serve additional crispy tofu on top or on the side. It enhances the protein content and provides a satisfying crunch.

With Pickled Vegetables

• A side of pickled vegetables introduces a tangy contrast to the rich curry. They can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.

How to Perfect Vegan Thai Green Curry

To achieve the best results with your Vegan Thai Green Curry, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor profile of your curry, making it more vibrant and aromatic.

• Adjust Spice Level: Depending on your taste preference, adjust the amount of green curry paste. Start with less and gradually add more if you prefer a spicier dish.

• Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Opting for full-fat coconut milk ensures a rich, creamy texture vital for an authentic curry experience.

• Simmer Gently: Allowing your curry to simmer gently helps develop flavors without burning or sticking to the pan. Stir occasionally to prevent this.

• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for variety and extra nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Thai Green Curry

Pairing side dishes with Vegan Thai Green Curry can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad complements the rich flavors of curry, providing a crunchy texture.

2. Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds a nutritious green element that pairs well with the creamy curry sauce.

3. Thai Spring Rolls: These light appetizers filled with fresh vegetables offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

4. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds protein and fiber, making it a wholesome option alongside your curry.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances out the heat from the curry while adding depth to your meal.

6. Garlic Naan Bread: Soft garlic naan is perfect for scooping up delicious curry sauce, bringing another layer of flavor to your dining experience.

7. Edamame Pods: Steamed edamame pods provide a fun snackable side packed with protein that aligns wonderfully with Asian flavors.

8. Mango Sticky Rice: This popular dessert can serve as a sweet finish after enjoying a spicy meal, offering a satisfying contrast in flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Thai Green Curry, it’s easy to overlook a few important steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong tofu: Always use extra firm tofu for this recipe. Softer varieties won’t hold their shape during cooking.
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting the tofu and broccoli enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step for the best texture and taste.
• Not blending the curry paste enough: Ensure your curry paste is smooth and well-blended. A chunky paste can lead to uneven flavor distribution in the dish.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Always taste and adjust salt or other seasonings at the end. Different brands of ingredients may vary in saltiness.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Broccoli should be tender but crisp. Monitor cooking times closely to avoid mushy veggies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow cooling completely before storing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Vegan Thai Green Curry

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Vegan Thai Green Curry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot, about 2-4 minutes depending on portion size.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Thai Green Curry.

Can I make Vegan Thai Green Curry without tofu?

Yes, you can replace tofu with other proteins like chickpeas or tempeh for a different texture and flavor.

How spicy is Vegan Thai Green Curry?

The spice level can vary based on the green curry paste used. You can control it by adjusting the amount of paste added.

What can I serve with Vegan Thai Green Curry?

Serve it over jasmine rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal that compliments the flavors of the curry.

How long does it take to make Vegan Thai Green Curry?

From prep to plate, this dish takes about 50 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Thai Green Curry is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences—whether adding more vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to love it!