Easy Vegan Thai Green Curry Recipe

Thai green curry is an incredibly delicious, spicy, and creamy dish that is popular not only in Thailand but around the world. It’s usually prepared with meat or seafood. Sometimes, it can be challenging for Vegans to enjoy such dishes. But today, I’m bringing you a vegan recipe that is completely plant-based and packed with flavour. This recipe is very easy to prepare and will bring the taste of Thai cuisine right into your kitchen. I have divided this recipe into two parts. First, we will learn how to make the curry paste, and then we’ll learn how to make the curry itself.

Let’s see how we can make the curry paste:

Thai Green Curry Paste

Ingredients

For the Curry Paste:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp lemongrass paste)
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, for balancing flavours)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation Method

Making the Curry Paste

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a medium-sized pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is adequately heated, add finely chopped onions. Cook the onions for about five minutes until they turn golden brown.

2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Once the onions are golden brown, add minced garlic and some finely chopped ginger. Continue to stir frequently for another two minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.

3. Add Spices and Herbs: After adding the garlic and ginger, Add the chopped green chilies, finely chopped lemongrass (or lemongrass paste), ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, black pepper, salt, and sugar. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become aromatic. The spices will start to toast, which enhances their flavours and deepens the overall taste of the thai green curry.

4. Blend into Paste: Next, transfer the mixture into a blender or food processor, adding fresh cilantro. Blend until the mixture turns into a smooth paste. If the paste is too thick, you can add a little water or oil to adjust the consistency.

This homemade paste will add an incredibly flavourful taste to your thai green curry.

Now, let’s see how we can make the curry using this paste.

Thai Green Curry

Ingredient

For the Curry:

• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup tofu or tempeh, cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation Method

Preparing the Curry:

1. Cook the Paste: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the homemade curry paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will fully release the flavours of the paste and mix the spices into the oil.
2. Add Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to the pan. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the curry paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. This step ensures the vegetables absorb the curry flavours.

3. Add Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable stock. Stir well to ensure the curry paste is fully incorporated into the liquid. The coconut milk will add a creamy, rich flavour to the curry, while the vegetable stock provides depth.

4. Add Protein: Add the cubed tofu or tempeh to the mixture. This provides a hearty protein source and absorbs the curry flavours. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully tender and the tofu or tempeh is heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

5. Season and Sweeten: Add soy sauce (or tamari) and maple syrup (if using) for seasoning. Soy sauce adds a savoury umami flavour, while the maple syrup balances the spicy flavours with a touch of sweetness. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot over jasmine rice or rice noodles. The rice or noodles provide an ideal base for the curry, soaking up the smooth sauce. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish, allowing you to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the curry as desired.

For Serving:

• Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles
• Steamed broccoli or bok choy
• Pickled vegetables (such as carrots or cucumbers)
• A side of fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves

Success Tips:

• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat of the curry by increasing the number of green chilies used. If you prefer less spice, start with fewer chilies and adjust to taste.
• Use Fresh Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass enhances the authentic flavour of Thai curry. If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, lemongrass paste is a convenient alternative.
• Maintain Vegetable Texture: To keep vegetables crisp-tender, avoid overcooking them. They should be bright and slightly crisp, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy curry sauce.

Health Benefits

This Thai green curry is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Coconut milk provides healthy fats that support cardiovascular health. The variety of vegetables included offers a range of vitamins and minerals essential for overall well-being. Tofu or tempeh adds a significant amount of protein, making the curry a balanced and nutritious meal. The spices used in the curry paste, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in digestion.

Conclusion

This easy vegan Thai green curry recipe will bring the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine right into your kitchen. With its creamy sauce and a variety of vegetables, it makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal. It’s a great option for a quick dinner or a comforting weekend meal. We hope you enjoy making and savouring this delicious curry. If you like the recipe make sure to check 5 Must-Try Delicious Vegan Dishes. Share your experiences, modifications, and feedback in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more tasty plant-based recipes and cooking tips. Enjoy the joy of cooking.