Name: Lemongrass Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped; 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and sliced; ½ bird’s eye chili, sliced; 2 tablespoons red Thai curry paste; ½ cup (125 ml) vegetable stock; 1 can (13.5 fl oz/400 ml) coconut milk; 4 oz (120 g) fine green beans, sliced; 4 oz (120 g) edamame beans; 7 oz (200 g) crispy tofu; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ cup (4 g) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Lemongrass Curry is a vibrant, aromatic dish that combines fresh veggies, crispy tofu, and the rich flavors of coconut milk with a kick of Thai red curry paste. This fragrant, creamy curry brings the flavors of Thai cuisine into your home, offering a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. Ideal for a quick yet delicious dinner, it’s also a great vegan-friendly option for those seeking a wholesome meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemongrass Curry is everything you want in a comforting curry—creamy, spicy, and packed with fresh ingredients. The coconut milk adds richness, while the lemongrass and fresh herbs infuse the dish with a citrusy fragrance. The crispy tofu gives it a hearty texture, while the combination of green beans, edamame, and bell peppers provides color and crunch. It’s a perfect, satisfying dish that can easily be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of Thai food or just looking to try something new, this curry is sure to please!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Curry:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and sliced
½ bird’s eye chili, sliced
2 tablespoons red Thai curry paste
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable stock
1 can (13.5 fl oz/400 ml) coconut milk
4 oz (120 g) fine green beans, sliced
4 oz (120 g) edamame beans
7 oz (200 g) crispy tofu
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ cup (4 g) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until softened.
Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and chili. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly caramelized.
Cook the curry paste: Add the red Thai curry paste and let it sizzle for a minute, stirring to release the full flavor.
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the vegetable stock and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Add vegetables: Add the green beans and edamame, stirring well to coat in the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Incorporate tofu: Gently fold in the crispy tofu and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is warm.
Finish the dish: Stir in lime juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Top with fresh cilantro and serve the curry over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add more veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn for added texture and variety.
Protein options: If you prefer, you can swap the crispy tofu for tempeh or even add cooked chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
Make it spicier: For more heat, increase the amount of bird’s eye chili or add a dash of chili flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to loosen it.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought crispy tofu for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought crispy tofu or bake your own. Alternatively, you can use regular tofu and pan-fry it until crispy.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables in this curry?

Fresh vegetables work best for this recipe to ensure the texture remains crisp, but frozen vegetables can also be used as a substitute.

3. How can I make the curry spicier?

You can increase the amount of bird’s eye chili or add some chili flakes to the curry to give it more heat.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the curry ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors will even deepen after sitting for a few hours.

5. Can I substitute the coconut milk?

If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute it with cashew cream or any plant-based milk, though the flavor will be slightly different.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Lemongrass Curry is naturally gluten-free, as it uses coconut milk and vegetable stock, which are both gluten-free.

7. Can I make this recipe without lemongrass?

While lemongrass adds a distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with lime zest or a few drops of lemon juice for a citrusy note.

8. Can I add more protein to the curry?

Yes, you can add more tofu, tempeh, or even cooked chickpeas or lentils to boost the protein content of the curry.

9. Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the base in a skillet and then transfer it to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.

10. Can I freeze this curry?

Yes, you can freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Lemongrass Curry is a beautifully fragrant, creamy dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and fresh vegetables makes for a rich and comforting curry that is perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this dish will impress with its vibrant flavors and simplicity. Enjoy it with rice or noodles, and savor the warmth and comfort of this Thai-inspired meal!