Thai Green Curry with Tofu is one of the most popular and spiciest curry dish that you will find at a Thai restaurant. This curry is made by cooking a homemade or store-bought curry paste with coconut milk. Thai curry paste is a combination of many aromatics and dry spices. The curry paste includes lemongrass, ginger-root, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, chilies, and, some fragrant dry spices like coriander and cumin. It’s lemony, earthy, spicy, and pairs really well with the creamy coconut milk. The two balance each other so well and the result is a sweet and spicy curry that compliments any meat or vegetable you add to it. I love making this curry vegetarian by using extra-firm Tofu, but can make this curry with the protein of your choice- Chicken, Shrimp or even Beef. Thai Green Curry is another weeknight favorite in my home!
Homemade Green Curry Paste:
When I have time to plan ahead, I like to make this paste from scratch. I blend together the following with a tablespoon or so of oil for easy blending:
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1 lemongrass stalks, outer layers removed
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5 serrano chiles, de-seeded
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1 large shallot, cut in half
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3 garlic cloves
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2-inch piece ginger, peeled, coarsely chopped
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2 kaffir lime leaves
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves with stems
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
Store-bought Thai Curry Paste:
But then there are days, where I barely have time to cook. For those days, this pre-made paste works great. I really like the Maesri brand of Thai curry pastes. They make weeknight meals taste so good. I always tell my friends that Maesri curry pastes are so authentic, that if you ever did a blind taste test, you won’t be able to tell between a restaurant version and yours.
I simply simmer this paste with coconut milk, add protein and vegetables and cook it for 2 minutes in my programable pressure cooker, Instant Pot
Spice level Tip:
This Thai paste is on the spicier side. If you’re not sure about the spice level, start by adding 1/2 a can of this pre-made paste. If you like it to be more spicy, you can always add a few more tablespoons after the cooking process, and then saute it for a few more till everything comes together.
Customize your Thai Green Curry:
I personally love making this Thai Green Curry with Tofu. You can customize it and make it with Chicken, Shrimp or beef. You can add your choice of vegetables like water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, zuchhini. If adding peppers, add them after the pressure cooking step, and saute for 2 minutes. If using Chicken , increase the cooking time to 4 minutes for bite size boneless chicken pieces. When cooking this with Shrimp, cook the curry for 1 minute, QR, and then add the Shrimp, saute’ for 1-2 minutes, till they turn opaque. If you’re using beef stew pieces, cook the meat in the curry sauce for 25 minutes, QR and then add all the veggies and cook on SAUTE for another 2-3 minutes. If you add them earlier, they’ll be over cooked. This is a very versatile curry, add your favorite combination and enjoy!
More Thai Favorites from my Kitchen:
 Thai Panang Chicken Curry |
 Thai Red Curry Soup |
 Massaman Curry |
 Brown Jasmine Rice |
Ingredients
- 1 can Coconut Milk - Chaokoh
- 1/2-1 can Maesri Thai Green Curry Paste
(Depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup Cut Baby Corn
- 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 lb. Extra-Firm Tofu cut in 1/2-3/4 inch pieces
- After cooking
- 2 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- Few drops of lime juice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Thai basil leaves for garnish (I used mint)
(Depending on how spicy you like it)
Instructions
Prep: Cut Tofu into 1/2-3/4 inch pieces. Chop baby corn and carrots.
Turn Instant Pot
Close lid. Hit cancel. Set vent to Sealing mode. Press 2 minutes Manual (high). Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, (QR after 5).
Open the lid. Check for seasoning. Add brown sugar and lime juice. Add frozen peas and let them hangout in the curry for about one minute so they get thawed. You can leave them in there for another minute on Saute if you like them cooked more. If at this point, the sauce is thinner than you like, hit Saute and cook it off for a minute or two. Serve with White or Brown Jasmine rice!
Notes
If after cooking, the coconut milk seems curdled, don't worry, it hasn't gone bad. The heat and the pressure just separated the fat from the milk. You can turn on Saute mode and whisk it gently back together. It'll be a smooth curry again!
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