Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (2024)

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (1)

I had a strong craving for curry with potatoes a few weeks ago. So, I threw some spices and vegetables into a pot along with some broth and coconut milk. With a few tweaks along the way, that casual weeknight meal morphed into this vegetable red curry.

Use the recipe below as a general guide for the red curry. Feel free to substitute the vegetables or protein with anything else that you have on hand.

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (2)

VEGETABLE RED CURRY INGREDIENTS

This red curry is inspired by my favorite flavors of Thai cuisine. For the aromatics, I used shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and Thai chili. To prepare lemongrass, peel off one outer layer of the stalk. Then, slice off any thin and dry sections from the top of the stalk. If you are using very fresh (green) lemongrass, this should not be a problem. Then, slice the lemongrass stalks in half and bash them several times with a kitchen mallet to expose the core. This will help the stalk release more flavor.

I wanted some spice in the red curry, so I used 5 Thai chilis. The spice is noticeable, but I didn’t feel as if my tongue was on fire. If you are spice averse, you can leave the chilis out. To prepare them, slice off the tops and then slice them in half. That way, you can easily identify the chilis and pick them out rather than eat them accidentally as you consume the curry. If you want to, you can fish out the chilis before serving.

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (3)

CURRY PASTE

For the curry paste, I used Thai Kitchen’s red curry paste. I use Thai Kitchen often because the pastes are easy to find in most supermarkets. Plus, the paste comes in convenient jars that are perfect for storing in the fridge once opened. Although the label says that the paste is “hot” with 3 chili peppers drawn on it, I don’t find the curry paste to be spicy at all. That’s why I use 3 tablespoons of the paste and add Thai chilis for spice.

If you are using any other brand of red curry paste, taste the paste first to test the spice level. A few months ago, I bought a new brand of curry paste. Without thinking, I used the new paste the same way I would with Thai Kitchen’s pastes. Much to my dismay, the new brand was incredibly spicy! Learn from my mistake: taste any unfamiliar brands of curry paste first before adding it to your cooking.

COCONUT MILK

For the coconut milk, I often use Chaokoh coconut milk. I love the thick yet runny consistency, which makes the coconut milk easy to pour. I used an entire can of coconut milk in this recipe, which makes the curry rich, fragrant, and filling. However, if you are concerned about the saturated fat content, use lite coconut milk. Note that the curry won’t be as fragrant.

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (4)

TOFU PUFFS

I decided to use tofu puffs in this recipe because they’re great for absorbing the flavors of the curry. They’re like edible sponges! I usually buy tofu puffs from Asian supermarkets or the Sunday Asian farmers market in Sacramento. You might also find a similar version of fried tofu in Japanese supermarkets (like Oto’s). They might not come in cubes like you see in the photos, but they are similar in texture.

If you can’t find tofu puffs, you can chop extra-firm tofu into cubes and pan fry them before adding to the broth. I don’t think pressing the tofu beforehand is necessary as you’ll add the fried tofu to a saucy mixture anyway. The pan searing gives the tofu extra texture.

VARIATIONS

If you’re not vegan, you can add shrimp to the curry. You can either pan fry the shrimp separately or add the shrimp to the curry and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the shrimp is cooked through.

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (5)

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (6)

5 from 8 votes

PRINTPIN

Servings: 4

Author: Lisa Lin

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs

You can substitute any of the vegetables listed below with others, such as carrots, cauliflower, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes. You can also use any protein that you have on hand.

Ingredients

  • 2 stalks lemongrass, (see note 1)
  • 5 Thai chilis, (see note 2)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, virgin or unrefined
  • 3/4 cup chopped shallots, about 1 large bulb
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 10 ounces yukon potatoes, cubed (see note 3)
  • 3 tablespoons red curry paste, (see note 4)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander, optional
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 large zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 6 to 7 ounces tofu puffs, sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped
  • chopped peanuts for topping, optional

Instructions

  • To prepare the lemongrass, peel off one outer layer of the lemongrass stalk. If the tops look thin and woody, chop them off. Then, chop the lemongrass stalk in half. Using a kitchen mallet, bash the stalk several times to bruise the lemongrass slightly.

  • To prepare the Thai chilis, slice off the tops of the peppers. Then, slice them in half.

  • Heat the coconut oil in a large pot (or a large sauté pan) over medium-high heat. Add the lemongrass, chilis, shallots, and ginger slices. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Transfer the potatoes to the pot, along with the curry paste, coriander, and salt. Stir to coat the potatoes with the curry paste.

  • Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and cover it with a lid. Bring the broth to boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook the potatoes for 3 more minutes.

  • Add the coconut milk, bell peppers, and zucchini to the pot. Cook everything for another 5 minutes, partially covered. Add the tofu puffs to the pot and cook until heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. (see note 5) Check to make sure that the potatoes are fork tender.

  • Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped basil. Serve the vegetable red curry in bowls along with cooked jasmine rice. Garnish the curry with chopped peanuts, if you like.

  • Refrigerate any leftovers in airtight containers. The curry tastes even better the next day!

Notes

  1. I can usually find lemongrass stalks in the produce sections of supermarkets. If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, consider using Gourmet Garden’s lemongrass paste. You’ll need 2 tablespoons of the paste for this recipe. Note that the paste contains milk solids.
  2. If you are averse to spicy foods, you can use 1 or 2 chilis or leave them out entirely.
  3. I chopped the potatoes into 3/4-inch to 1-inch chunks. I used yukon potatoes when I developed the recipe, but any potato will.
  4. Note that some curry pastes are not vegan. Some contain traces of shrimp or other shellfish. Thai Kitchen and Maesri sell red curry pastes that do not contain shrimp. Also, if you are using a new brand of curry paste, make sure to taste it first to gauge the level of spice. I used Thai Kitchen’s red curry paste, and I don’t find it spicy at all, which is why I used 3 tablespoons in this recipe.
  5. I like adding tofu puffs at the very end so that I don’t overcook them.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Sodium: 905mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g

Did you make this recipe?Tag @hellolisalin or leave a star rating and comment on the blog!

Cuisine: Asian

Category: Main Course, Vegan

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (7)

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (8)

Hello! I’m Lisa Lin

Here, you’ll find well-tested Asian recipes, pantry guides, and recipes from my sassy mother, Mama Lin. Through my recipes and cooking videos, I hope to honor the food and traditions that surrounded my Chinese American upbringing.

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (9)Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (10)Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (11)Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (13)

Reader Interactions

5 from 8 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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  1. Midori says

    Just made this, SO easy and flavorful!

    Reply

  2. Jenn H says

    Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (14)
    I just came here to say- THANK YOU for posting this delicious recipe. I have been looking for the most perfectly flavored, delectable (licked my bowl clean when finished) red curry and this is IT. Sent it to all my friends. I just added a few dashes of fish sauce. Perfection!

    Reply

  3. White says

    Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (15)
    This is very nice and this articles is very helpful for everyone. I like it very much please keep doing this amazing work.

    Reply

  4. Janice says

    I’ve learned that if I put firm tofu into the freezer – the consistency is exactly like tofu puffs/spongey/porous!

    Reply

    • Lisa Lin says

      Thanks for the tip, Janice!

      Reply

  5. Victoria Haneveer says

    Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (16)
    I had to read this recipe twice, the first time because I was intrigued by “tofu puffs” and thought I needed those in my life ASAP and the second so I could bookmark it and come back when I had some so I could make this. I love the idea in this Thai veggie red curry recipe and can’t wait to try it, and when I do I’ll come back and let you know how I got on. Thanks for sharing such a lovely looking recipe!!

    Reply

  6. Elaine Margolis says

    Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (17)
    Lisa, retired chef here! Cook internationally at home for family & friends. Your recipes are wonderful and very inspiring! Great job!

    Reply

    • Lisa Lin says

      Thank you, Elaine!!

      Reply

Vegetable Red Curry with Tofu Puffs (2024)

FAQs

How do you use premade tofu puffs? ›

You don't need to press them. You can essentially just throw them into any sauce or soup. They're really light and delicate with a soft and spongy interior. Actually takes longer to steam the rice than to cook the tofu puffs.

What's the difference between tofu and tofu puffs? ›

Tofu puff is made from fresh, unflavored, medium to medium-firm tofu that's deep-fried in oil. The store-bought puffed tofu is incredibly airy and spongy because it's made from the freshest tofu. You can find fresh tofu in Chinese grocery stores, usually in the refrigerator aisle labeled as “fresh.”

Should you fry tofu before adding to curry? ›

If you want a tastier tofu, you can fry it before adding it to the curry. Follow our fried tofu recipe and stir it in the curry before serving it. Our recipe for fried tofu is easy, and you can make it in less than 15 minutes while the curry simmers.

How many calories in red Thai curry with tofu? ›

10 oz of red curry with tofu and veggies (Veestro) contains 290 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 53% carbs, 28% fat, and 19% protein. This is a good source of protein (25% of your Daily Value), fiber (14% of your Daily Value), and calcium (15% of your Daily Value).

What to eat with tofu puffs? ›

Serve the tofu puffs with some steamed rice and vegetables of your choice!

Are tofu puffs good for you? ›

🌱 Tofu is high in protein and low in carbs, they're a fantastic option for those on a health-conscious journey. While tofu puffs are deep-fried, indulging in moderation can perfectly complement a balanced diet.

What happens if you don't drain tofu before cooking? ›

Here's the thing: even though tofu might be labeled firm or extra-firm, it contains a lot of water. This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture.

What vegetables go in curry? ›

The curry base is made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder and garam masala. I prefer to go with potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, cauliflower, corn and bell peppers. Though you can use other veggies like baby corn, sweet potato and broccoli, the curry will have different flavors.

Is it better to bake or pan fry tofu? ›

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

How many calories are in red curry sauce with coconut milk? ›

½ box of red curry with coconut milk and curry paste organic thai for two (Verve Culture) contains 210 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 26% carbs, 68% fat, and 6% protein. This has a moderate calorie density, with 215 Calories per 100g.

How do you use ready to eat tofu? ›

For Eating Raw: Pretty straightforward. Soft and silken tofu are ready to go right out of the package (though, technically, any tofu can be eaten raw). Drain off the excess water, and eat up!

How do you heat up puff puffs? ›

Bring your puff-puff to room temperature and place them in an Airfryer. Reheat for 6 minutes at 350F. Bring your puff-puff to room temperature and preheat the oven to 350F. Place puff-puff on a baking tray and reheat in the oven for 8 minutes.

How do you eat dried tofu snacks? ›

You can eat it straight or put dried tofu on rice, noodles, salads to add flavor to anything. If you like tofu then this snack is perfect for you.

How do you cook pre made tofu? ›

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add tofu to the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Allow tofu to cook, undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy.

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