Green Thai Curry Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Flavorful Guide

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s both vegetarian and packed with aromatic spices, this Green Thai Curry recipe is exactly what you need. Thai cuisine is renowned for its balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors, and green curry is one of its most iconic dishes.

Using fresh herbs, creamy coconut milk, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this curry is a feast for the senses. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with something exotic yet easy to prepare, this vegetarian version keeps all the authentic tastes without any meat.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Thai cooking, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to making a delicious green curry from scratch. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can swap vegetables or adjust spice levels to your preference.

Ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, spicy goodness? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian green Thai curry is a perfect combination of health, flavor, and convenience. It’s richly aromatic thanks to fresh herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil, which give it an authentic taste that transports you straight to Thailand’s bustling street markets.

The creamy coconut milk balances the heat from the green chili paste, creating a harmonious dish that’s neither too spicy nor bland.

Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out your fridge while still enjoying a gourmet meal. It’s also a wonderful option for vegetarians and vegans, especially if you choose a store-bought green curry paste that’s plant-based.

Finally, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons green Thai curry paste (ensure vegetarian/vegan friendly)
• 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1-2 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional but recommended)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces (optional)
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bamboo shoots, drained (optional)
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed (optional for added protein)
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• Fresh Thai basil leaves for garnish
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lime

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener
• Serving bowls
• Steamer or rice cooker (optional, for serving jasmine rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables and tofu. Rinse and slice the bell pepper, green beans, and carrot. If using tofu, drain and cube it. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil. In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil until shimmering.
3. Cook the aromatics. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the green curry paste. Stir in the green Thai curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to bloom and the paste to become aromatic.
5. Pour in coconut milk and broth. Slowly add the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring well to combine. Add kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass stalks if you have them.
6. Simmer the curry base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
7. Add the vegetables and tofu. Add bell pepper, green beans, carrot, bamboo shoots, and tofu cubes to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the curry sauce.
8. Cook until vegetables are tender. Simmer the curry uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked but still crisp and vibrant.
9. Season the curry. Stir in the soy sauce and palm sugar, adjusting the taste for balance between salty, sweet, and spicy.
10. Finish with lime juice. Remove the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the curry for a bright, tangy finish.
11. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh Thai basil and cilantro over the top. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite grain.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check your green curry paste to ensure it contains no fish sauce or shrimp paste.”

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on seasonality or preference. Zucchini, eggplant, snap peas, or baby corn all work wonderfully in this curry.

If you like it spicier, add some sliced Thai chilies or a dash of chili flakes.

For a protein boost, try adding chickpeas or tempeh instead of tofu. You can also make this curry in advance; the flavors deepen even more after a few hours or overnight.

For those who enjoy a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or cashew cream just before serving. This adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This green Thai curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb alternative, serve it over cauliflower rice or quinoa.

To round out the meal, consider serving a crisp cucumber salad on the side or some fresh spring rolls. You might also enjoy pairing this curry with Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes if you want to keep exploring creamy, comforting flavors.

For dessert, a light treat like a coconut sticky rice with mango or a slice of the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious would be perfect to balance the meal.

Conclusion

This vegetarian green Thai curry recipe is a wonderful way to bring authentic Thai flavors into your kitchen with ease. It’s a balanced, aromatic, and colorful dish that satisfies both the palate and the eye.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this curry offers both comfort and nutrition in every bite.

By using simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, and enjoy the delightful harmony of spicy, sweet, and creamy notes that make this dish so beloved worldwide.

For more delicious and healthy vegetarian recipes, check out our collection of Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals and explore new culinary adventures today!

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