Vegan Thai Green Curry

This Vegan Thai Green Curry is a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or gatherings. With its rich coconut milk base and fragrant herbs, this curry packs a punch of taste while remaining completely plant-based. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without compromising on health or ethics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh herbs and spices creates a vibrant and aromatic dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it with jasmine rice, or over noodles; this curry can adapt to your preference.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with vegetables and protein-rich tofu, this curry is both healthy and filling.
• Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s chilly outside or warm, this curry provides comfort year-round.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools to make your Vegan Thai Green Curry effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• High-speed blender
• Large deep skillet
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• High-speed blender: Essential for creating a smooth curry paste that forms the flavor base of your dish.
• Large deep skillet: Provides ample space for cooking ingredients evenly and allows for easy stirring without spills.

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Ingredients

To create this flavorful Vegan Thai Green Curry, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Curry Base

• 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

For the Flavor Enhancers

• 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)

For Garnishing

• 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

For the Coconut Base

• 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

Final Touches

• 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 your oven to 450°F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Tear the tofu into small bite-size chunks. Chop the broccoli into small florets.

Step 2: Prepare Tofu and Broccoli

Add tofu to one pan and broccoli to another. Toss the tofu with white pepper and salt. Drizzle a generous amount of avocado oil over both ingredients.

Step 3: Bake Tofu and Broccoli

Bake the tofu for about 22 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Bake the broccolini for 10-12 minutes until it starts to brown on top.

Step 4: Blend Curry Paste Ingredients

In a high-speed blender, combine all curry paste ingredients. Start blending on low while tamping down until it forms a paste. Increase speed to medium until smooth and bright green.

Step 5: Cook Curry Paste

Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add in 3-4 tbsp of canned coconut milk as oil for frying. Heat until bubbling. Add blended curry paste; sauté for about 3-4 minutes while stirring often.

Step 6: Add Coconut Milk Mixture

Stir in coconut milk, soy sauce, coconut sugar, and lime leaves. Mix well until smooth; let it simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add baked tofu and broccoli into the skillet. Stir well to combine everything evenly; reduce heat to low. Cook partially covered for an additional 5 minutes while adjusting salt as needed.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove lime leaves from the curry. Stir in fresh Thai basil, lime zest, and juice before serving over jasmine white rice or basmati white rice.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Thai Green Curry!

How to Serve Vegan Thai Green Curry

Serving vegan Thai green curry can elevate your dining experience, making it visually appealing and flavorful. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to complement this delightful dish.

With Jasmine Rice

• Serve the curry over fluffy jasmine rice for a fragrant and soft base that soaks up the delicious sauce.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.

Accompanied by Lime Wedges

• Offer lime wedges on the side to allow guests to add a zesty kick, enhancing the overall taste of the curry.

With Crunchy Vegetable Chips

• Pair the curry with crispy vegetable chips for a contrasting texture that adds crunch to each bite.

Served in Coconut Bowls

• For a fun presentation, serve the curry in coconut bowls, adding a tropical vibe to your meal.

How to Perfect Vegan Thai Green Curry

Creating the perfect vegan Thai green curry requires attention to detail and some culinary tips. Here are several ways to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavors of your curry, making it vibrant and aromatic.
• Balance flavors carefully: Adjust salt, sweetness, and acidity (like lime juice) to create a well-rounded taste profile that excites your palate.
• Blend the paste well: Ensure your curry paste is smooth; this enhances its integration into the dish, leading to better flavor distribution.
• Don’t skip simmering: Allowing the curry to simmer helps meld all flavors together, resulting in a richer taste.
• Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for variety and texture.
• Adjust spice levels: If you enjoy heat, consider adding chili peppers or extra curry paste according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Thai Green Curry

Pairing side dishes with vegan Thai green curry can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that work beautifully alongside this flavorful dish.

1. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a crisp contrast to the rich curry. Toss cucumbers with lime juice, sugar, and herbs for added zing.
2. Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds nutrients and complements the creamy texture of the curry without overpowering it.
3. Thai Spring Rolls: These fresh spring rolls filled with crunchy vegetables and served with peanut sauce make for a delightful appetizer before diving into your main course.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Quinoa cooked with herbs creates a nutty side dish that pairs well with the flavors of your vegan Thai green curry.
5. Mango Sticky Rice: This classic dessert made with sweet sticky rice and fresh mango rounds off your meal beautifully with its sweetness.
6. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant adds smoky depth that balances out the richness of the curry.
7. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can add heartiness while keeping things light and healthy.
8. Toasted Naan Bread: Although not traditional in Thai cuisine, warm naan bread can be used to scoop up the curry for an enjoyable eating experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Thai Green Curry, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Not pressing the tofu: Failing to press the tofu can result in a watery curry. Make sure to remove excess moisture by pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
• Skipping the aromatics: Ignoring the aromatics, like garlic and ginger, can lead to a bland dish. Always sauté these ingredients well to unleash their flavors.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Add it at the right time and cook until tender but still vibrant.
• Using low-quality curry paste: Not all curry pastes are created equal. Invest in a good quality Thai green curry paste for authentic flavor.
• Forget to taste: Neglecting to taste the curry before serving might lead to an unbalanced flavor. Adjust salt, lime juice, or coconut sugar as needed for a well-rounded dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Vegan Thai Green Curry

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Keep for up to 2 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Vegan Thai Green Curry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; cover loosely and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Vegan Thai Green Curry?

Vegan Thai Green Curry is a plant-based dish made with fresh vegetables, tofu, and a vibrant green curry paste cooked in coconut milk.

How spicy is Vegan Thai Green Curry?

The spice level depends on the curry paste used. You can adjust the amount of paste added based on your preference for heat.

Can I customize Vegan Thai Green Curry?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or substitute tofu with chickpeas or tempeh for different textures.

Is Vegan Thai Green Curry gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Thai Green Curry is not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. This hearty dish is perfect for any season, so give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!