Creamy Vegan Massaman Curry with Tofu

Name: Creamy Vegan Massaman Curry with Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 block extra-firm tofu (pressed and dice into 1 inch cubes (around 14oz/400g)); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 shallots (chopped); 5 cardamom pods; 3 star anise; 2 cinnamon sticks; 3 tablespoon Massaman curry paste (or red curry paste); 2 cups water; 1 can coconut milk (full-cream or light); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon tamarind paste (optional); 2 medium carrot (diced); 2 medium russet potato (peeled and diced); handful of chopped peanuts (to garnish); 1 stalk cilantro (destemmed)

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This tofu Massaman curry features pan-fried tofu, carrots, and potato cubes cooked in an aromatic, rich, and spicy sauce. Quick and easy to make, this vegan Massaman curry makes the perfect weeknight dinner!

Holding a bowl of Massaman curry and rice served with a ceramic spoon.

Curries are a staple in our household. Favorites like Indian tofu curry, vegan yellow curry, and Japanese curry are always in our weekly meal rotation. They're comforting, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

This tofu Massaman curry is the newest addition, quickly becoming one of our go-to's! Fragrant, rich, and packed with bold flavors, it's a hearty dish that's incredibly versatile. Serve it with fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, or pair it with tofu pad Thai, tom yum fried rice, or green curry fried rice to make a hearty meal!

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💚Why you will love this recipe
🤔What is Massaman curry
🍛What you will need
📃Ingredient notes and substitutions
🔪How to make
✅Helpful tips
🍚How to serve
❔Commonly asked questions
🍽️More vegan curry recipes
📖 Recipe

💚Why you will love this recipe

Creamy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful
An easier version that utilizes store-bought curry paste instead of making it from scratch
Filling, wholesome, and packed with protein
Highly customizable - veggies and tofu can be swapped with other ingredients! A list of substitution ideas is provided below.

🤔What is Massaman curry

Massaman curry is a flavorful Thai curry with influences from Indian, Malay, and Persian cuisines. It's uniquely spiced with cumin, cardamom, galangal, and star anise, setting it apart from other Thai curries.

Peanuts are a key feature, either mixed into the sauce or used as a garnish, adding a rich, nutty flavor. Traditionally made with chicken or beef, it's often paired with potatoes, carrots, and rice for a hearty meal.

In this vegan version, we're swapping the meat for tofu, making it just as satisfying and packed with flavor!

🍛What you will need

Ingredients needed like coconut milk, potato, carrot, onion, curry paste, and spices.

Ingredients needed like cornstarch, tofu, and salt.

📃Ingredient notes and substitutions

Tofu - Use extra-firm or firm tofu that has been drained and pressed beforehand, either by using a tofu press or stacking something heavy on top.
Shallots - Can be substituted with 1 small red onion.
Massaman curry paste - Check the ingredient label; some contain shrimp paste. The Maesri Massaman curry paste is my personal favorite. You can substitute it with red curry paste in a pinch.
Tamarind paste - An optional ingredient. However, I highly recommend adding it as it gives the curry a nice tangy flavor.
Coconut milk - Either full-fat or light coconut milk will work. The former will yield a richer and creamier curry.

🔪How to make

Coated tofu cubes in a square container with a white checkered teacloth beside.

Step 1: Add tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt. Close the container and toss until tofu cubes are well-coated.

Pan-fried tofu in a non-stick pan on a folded white checkered teacloth.

Step 2: Pan-fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until most sides are golden. Set aside.

💡Tips

You could also bake your tofu. Lightly spray with cooking oil, then bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Cooked onion in a Dutch oven on a folded white teacloth.

Step 3: Heat some oil in a Dutch oven, then add shallots and saute until translucent.

Cooked onion and spices in a white dutch oven.

Step 4: Add cardamoms, star anise, and cinnamon sticks to the pot. Fry for a minute until fragrant.

Adding curry paste to a pot of cooked onion and spices.

Step 5: Add curry paste to the pot and saute for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Cooked potatoes and carrot in a pot of curry sauce.

Step 6: Bring coconut milk and water to a simmer, then add potato and carrot cubes. Cook until softened, 10-15 minutes.

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Adding pan-fried tofu to a pot of Massaman curry in a white Dutch oven.

Step 5: Add pan-fried tofu. Simmer for a few minutes until the ingredients are hot.

A bowl of Massaman curry and rice served with a ceramic spoon with another bowl of curry and peanuts beside.

Step 6: Garnish tofu massaman curry with crushed peanuts or other toppings of choice before serving.

✅Helpful tips

Adjust the heat to your liking - For a milder curry, use less curry paste; if you prefer it fiery, add more! You can also drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish for an extra spicy kick.
Cut veggies into uniform pieces - Chop carrots and potatoes into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and a perfectly textured curry.
Add other vegetables - Although this recipe features potatoes and carrots, you can add other veggies like green beans, peas, broccoli, or cauliflower to boost the flavor and nutrient content!
Make it creamier - Use 2 cans of coconut milk instead of 1, and reduce the water by ½ to 1 cup. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of tahini or peanut butter.
Storing leftovers - Store any leftover vegan Massaman curry in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat with a splash of water if the sauce thickens.

2 bowls of curry and rice served with a ceramic spoon with peanuts beside.

🍚How to serve

Rice - Serve vegan Massaman curry with steamed Jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Fried rice, like my Thai fried rice and Tom Yum fried rice, also works!

Noodles - You can opt for plain noodles like cooked soba, rice noodles, or traditional Thai noodle dishes like pad see ew.

Side dishes - Lighter sides and appetizers that compliment this curry include pad pak Thai, Thai fresh spring rolls, and tofu lettuce wrap.

Toppings - Top your tofu Massaman curry with crushed or whole roasted peanuts, lime wedges, or cilantro.

❔Commonly asked questions

Is Massaman curry spicy?

Massamn curry is mild to moderately spicy, making it suitable for those with lower heat tolerance. You can easily adjust the spice levels by altering the amount of curry paste added.

Is Massaman curry vegan?

Traditional massaman curry is not vegan, as chicken and beef are commonly added. Some Massaman curry paste contains shrimp paste, and fish sauce is widely used to flavor the curry.

What is the difference between Massaman curry and other Thai curries?

Massaman curry incorporates various Indian and Malay spices, such as cloves, cardamom, and star anise, giving them a warm, aromatic flavor. Peanuts are added to the curry, which provides the broth with a pleasant nutty taste. This curry is also sweeter and milder than other Thai curries.

What kind of vegetables can I add to Massaman curry?

Traditional Massaman curry typically includes potatoes and onions, but the beauty of this dish is how versatile it is-you can easily add almost any vegetable!

Baby corn, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, and spinach are fantastic options for adding variety and flavor. Sturdier vegetables like butternut squash and carrots work great, too; just cook them together with the potatoes before adding in your tender vegetables.

Spooning out some curry served with rice in a bowl.

🍽️More vegan curry recipes

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