Easy Tofu Curry

Name: Tofu Curry
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed, and cut into ¾-inch cubes); Drizzle of olive oil (or 1 tablespoon reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce ); Dash of onion powder; Dash of garlic powder; Salt (to taste); 1 medium onion (small dice); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon grated or minced ginger; 3 tablespoons Thai Red Curry Paste; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1 1/3 cups unsweetened coconut milk (or cashew, soy, pea, or oat milk); 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained); 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus more to taste); 2 teaspoons tamari (or soy sauce, plus more to taste); 1/2 tablepoon maple syrup (or date syrup (to taste)); 2 packed cups chopped spinach (or kale or frozen green peas); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Below are some notes about the ingredients from me as an expert in nutrition.

Block of tofu, diced tomatoes, onion, ginger, Thai Red Curry Paste, lime, garlic, coconut milk, cilantro, maple syrup, baby spinach, and turmeric on a grey table.

Extra-firm tofu is one of the vegan protein options for this recipe. Baking the tofu gives it a firmer and crispier texture, but this step is optional.

Thai Kitchen brand's Thai Red Curry Paste is vegan. (Some non-vegan brands may contain shrimp or fish sauce.) This ingredient is incredibly versatile and worth keeping as a pantry staple. I add it to soups, stews, and curries, and I even use it as a marinade.

Unsweetened canned coconut milk adds richness and flavor to the sauce. You can also use soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or lite coconut milk as desired.

Turmeric and ginger contain anti-inflammatory compounds, making this Easy Tofu Curry even more nutritious.

Spinach is a quick and easy way to add greens to this dish. However, most veggies will work.

See the printable recipe card below for quantities.

🥬 Substitutions

Tofu -Instead of tofu, you can use chickpeas, lentils, tempeh, or soy curls.

Coconut milk - Use unsweetened canned lite or regular coconut milk, or try soy, oat, pea, or cashew milk.

Spinach - Substitute with a different chopped leafy green or frozen green peas.

Maple syrup - Use date syrup instead as desired.

Visit my Tofu Recipes page for more easy and healthy tofu recipes.

📖 How to Make Easy Tofu Curry

This is an overview. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

Tofu cubes drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with garlic powder, on parchment paper in a rimmed baking sheet.

Transfer the tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Toss with olive oil or reduced sodium tamari, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste. Bake at 425ºF for 15 minutes, tossing halfway.

Cooked diced onions, minced garlic and ginger, with red paste and turmeric, in a white skillet with a gray spatula.

Heat a drizzle of olive oil or broth in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, garlic, and ginger until translucent. Add the red curry paste and turmeric and cook for one minute more, stirring constantly.

💡 Expert Tips

Place the tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, with enough room between them for the hot air to pass freely. Do not overcrowd the cubes, or they will steam instead of brown.

For an oil-free option, use reduced sodium tamari instead of a drizzle of olive oil.

For a smoother sauce, transfer it to a blender or use an immersion blender once it is done cooking. Blend until the desired consistency.

For serving: Enjoy this curry with rice, quinoa, naan, or farro. Top with vegan raita for a delicious meal.

Storage: Make extra red curry sauce and refrigerate it separately for various curries throughout the week. It is good for up to 5 days. Refrigerate any remaining Easy Tofu Curry in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What is tofu curry made of?

Easy Tofu Curry is made with crispy tofu, coconut milk, and red curry paste and served with warm naan or over a grain of your choice for a quick meal that comes together in just over 20 minutes.

What does tofu curry taste like?

This dish is mildly spicy and packs fresh and bright flavors with a hint of coconut. The tofu soaks up the flavors and adds plant-based protein, heart-healthy fats, and texture to the dish.

Can I make Easy Tofu Curry ahead of time?

Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day and is good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

📖 Recipe