Thai Tofu and Green Bean Red Curry 🌶️🍛
A Delightfully Spicy Thai Dish in Just 25 Minutes!
Description:
This Thai Tofu and Green Bean Red Curry is a versatile recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With the ability to substitute other vegetables or even meats like chicken or shrimp, this dish is customizable to your preferences. Tofu is a fantastic choice for this recipe, as it soaks up the rich flavors of the curry paste while providing a healthy, protein-packed base. Whether you’re a tofu lover or experimenting with it for the first time, this dish by Judy Bastyra is sure to delight your taste buds.
Key Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| PT15M | PT10M | PT25M |
Calories: 342.2
Fat Content: 32.2g
Saturated Fat Content: 27.1g
Cholesterol Content: 0mg
Sodium Content: 1089.7mg
Carbohydrate Content: 10.8g
Fiber Content: 2g
Sugar Content: 3.9g
Protein Content: 9.7g
Ingredients 🛒
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk 🥥
- 1 – 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste 🌶️
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce 🐟
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar 🍭
- 3 1/4 tablespoons light brown sugar 🍬
- 1 cup button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 🍄
- 6 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 🥒
- 4 ounces firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes 🍲
- 2 – 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces 🍃
- 2 – 3 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat) 🌶️
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish 🌿
Instructions 🥄
-
Heat Coconut Milk:
In a large pan, heat approximately one-third of the coconut milk over medium heat. Cook until it begins to separate and an oily sheen appears on the surface. -
Add Curry Paste and Seasonings:
Stir in the Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, and both sugars. Mix well to combine the flavors and create a fragrant base for the curry. -
Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the cleaned and sliced button mushrooms to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing them to absorb the flavorful sauce. -
Add Remaining Coconut Milk:
Pour in the rest of the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. -
Simmer with Green Beans and Tofu:
Add the green beans and tofu cubes to the pan. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still crisp. -
Enhance with Lime Leaves and Chilies:
Tear the kaffir lime leaves into pieces and add them to the curry. If you like extra heat, add the sliced red chilies at this stage. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with hot cooked rice.
Serving Suggestions 🍚
Serve your Thai Tofu and Green Bean Red Curry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The fragrant rice soaks up the rich curry sauce, making each bite an explosion of flavor. For an added touch of authenticity, consider serving it with Thai sticky rice or brown rice for a healthier twist.
Variations and Tips 🌟
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the green beans for other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or baby corn. Each brings a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Meat Alternatives: If you prefer meat, chicken or shrimp can be used instead of tofu. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken should be cooked through, while shrimp only need to cook until they turn pink and curl.
- Extra Heat: Adjust the amount of red curry paste and fresh chilies to suit your heat preference. For a milder curry, reduce the amount of curry paste or omit the chilies.
- Palm Sugar Substitute: If you can’t find palm sugar, light brown sugar works well as a substitute. It adds a similar sweetness that balances the spiciness of the curry paste.
Nutritional Benefits 🥗
This Thai Tofu and Green Bean Red Curry is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Tofu provides a great source of plant-based protein and is rich in iron and calcium.
- Coconut Milk adds a creamy texture while supplying healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.
- Green Beans are low in calories but high in vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as fiber.
- Mushrooms contribute antioxidants and have immune-boosting properties.
- Cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and K, and adds a fresh, herby flavor.
Final Thoughts 🌈
This Thai Tofu and Green Bean Red Curry is a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire, offering a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s an ideal dish for those looking to explore Thai cuisine or simply enjoy a quick and healthy meal. The versatility of the ingredients allows you to tailor the dish to your liking, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your household.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and easy preparation of this delightful curry, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends! Happy cooking! 👩🍳👨🍳
