Tofu Curry Recipe
This vibrant tofu curry is a delicious vegan dish packed with bold Thai flavors. Crispy baked tofu cubes are simmered in a creamy coconut and red curry sauce, enriched with ginger, garlic, and turmeric, then folded with fresh baby spinach. It’s a perfect hearty yet healthy meal that works beautifully served over steamed rice and garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegan
Tofu
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed and cut into ¾-inch cubes)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt (to taste)
Curry Sauce
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 3 tablespoons vegan Thai red curry paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 1/3 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (drained)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons tamari
- 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup
Greens and Garnish
- 2 1/2 cups baby spinach (lightly packed)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (chopped, for garnish)
- Bake tofu: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a bowl, toss the pressed and cubed tofu with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to evenly coat. Spread the tofu in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on the edges.
- Sauté aromatics: While the tofu bakes, heat another drizzle of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the Thai red curry paste and turmeric into the softened aromatics. Let the spices cook for 1 minute to release their fragrance. Then add the coconut milk, drained diced tomatoes, lime juice, tamari, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Fold spinach and tofu: Gently fold the baked tofu cubes and baby spinach into the simmering curry sauce. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach just wilts. Season the curry with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as needed. Serve the tofu curry hot, over cooked rice, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture and helps achieve a firmer, crispier texture when baked.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or use a spicier Thai red curry paste.
- This curry pairs perfectly with jasmine or basmati rice for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: tofu curry, vegan curry, Thai red curry, coconut milk curry, baked tofu recipe, plant-based dinner, gluten-free curry