Thai yellow curry with crispy tofu blends the rich flavors of Thai cuisine with yellow curry paste, coconut milk, carrots, and potatoes served over fluffy rice. It’s comforting, versatile, and comes together in less than 30 minutes for an ideal worknight meal.

This recipe is awesome for meal prep and keeps in the fridge for several days. We like it for its kid-friendly nature and ease of customizing this to suit different spice level needs.

Comforting Curry

Yellow curry, or “Kaeng Kari” in Thai, is one of the many varieties of curry found in Thai cuisine. Thai cuisine itself is a melting pot of flavors and influences from neighboring countries like India, Malaysia, and China, which is reflected in its diverse range of curries. Yellow curry is distinguished by its mild heat and rich, creamy texture, often compared to Indian curry due to the use of turmeric and other spices.

There are so many different variations and types of curry. I love this version for its low spice level and it’s easy to throw together with whatever I have on hand. For those wanting more spice, it’s easy to add more heat and make it the way you prefer.

Curry is comforting and warm, and the spices all feel indulgent. Perfect for curling up on the couch or for when you might be feeling under the weather and need something to combat the common cold. If you are looking for more Thai recipes, check out our Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce or Thai Udon Noodles.

Ingredients

Curry is such a versatile dish that can be easily customized for spice levels, vegetables, and proteins. Here are the core ingredients you will need and some ideas for variations.

Core Ingredients

Yellow Curry Paste: The heart of the dish, yellow curry paste is a blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, and dried chilies. These ingredients are blended together to create a fragrant and flavorful base.
Coconut Milk: This adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the curry, balancing the spices in the curry paste. Use quality full-fat coconut milk.
Tofu: Firm tofu is ideal for this dish as it holds its shape well during cooking and absorbs the flavors of the curry. Press it well so it fries up evenly.

Additional Ingredients

Vegetables: Commonly used vegetables include bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and green beans. We also love bamboo shoots, lemongrass, and limes served on the side.
Aromatics and Spices: Kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, and fresh cilantro enhance the aroma and flavor profile of the curry.
Seasonings: Soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice are used to achieve a balanced taste. Top with added hot sauce or chile sauce if desired.

Instructions

Rinse and drain your rice and add it the a rice cooker with the water. Cook rice according to your rice cooker instructions.
Over medium heat, add the coconut milk and curry paste to a saucepan. Mix well and heat for a few minutes. Add any veggies you are using like potatoes, onions, and carrots. Bring to a simmer for 20 minutes until the veggies are softened.
Meanwhile, crisp your drained and pressed tofu cubes in a skillet until golden brown on each side.
When the veggies are soft, add in the tofu, soy sauce, sugar or agave, and the rest of the broth or water to your desired consistency. Heat through.
Serve over fluffed jasmine rice with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Add some hot sauce or diced chiles if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Serving Suggestions

We serve our yellow curry with tofu over fluffy jasmine rice, but it is equally good with brown rice or rice noodles. It pairs well with side dishes like Thai cucumber salad or fresh spring rolls. For a complete authentic meal, consider serving it with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a light coconut dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

Curry is packed with nutritional powerhouses that are not only delicious but also good for you. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits…

Tofu

High in Protein: Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Rich in Nutrients: It contains essential amino acids, iron, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Low in Calories: Tofu is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Yellow Curry Paste

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Turmeric, a key ingredient in yellow curry paste, contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Digestive Health: The spices in the curry paste, such as cumin and coriander, aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Immune Boosting: Garlic and shallots have antimicrobial properties that support the immune system.

Coconut Milk

Healthy Fats: Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier to digest and provide a quick source of energy.
Vitamins and Minerals: It contains vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, selenium, and magnesium.

Vegetables

Vitamins and Fiber: The vegetables in yellow curry provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, essential for maintaining good health.
Antioxidants: Many of the vegetables used in the curry are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.

We hope you enjoy this take on a vegan yellow curry and enjoy making it as much as eating it! Happy Cooking!

Try these other recipes:

Oyster Mushroom Duck Bao Buns

Fresh Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Thai Peanut Udon Noodles

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