A comforting tofu curry has a way of filling the kitchen with warmth — the gentle spice, the golden color, the soft simmer of coconut and tomato. This simple, nourishing dish comes together with pantry staples, yet feels like something slow-cooked and heartfelt. With tender tofu, fragrant spices, and bright herbs, it’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to linger around the table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Tofu Curry (Cozy & Creamy Weeknight Comfort)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, aromatic tofu curry made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and warm spices. Rich, nourishing, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed & cubed
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 cup tomatoes (canned or chopped fresh)
1 can coconut milk
½ cup vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro or basil
Instructions
Brown tofu in oil until golden.
Sauté onion until soft; add garlic and ginger.
Stir in spices until fragrant.
Add tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth; simmer.
Stir in tofu and spinach.
Finish with lime and herbs.
Notes
Add sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Replace spinach with kale for more texture.
Light coconut milk works for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Kid-Friendly
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
A Little Story From My Kitchen
I first started making this tofu curry on quiet autumn evenings, when the air felt crisp and the garden was slowing down for the season. It reminded me of the way my mother taught me to cook: patiently, tasting as I went, letting each ingredient soften into the next. Those lessons — learned in a warm kitchen surrounded by family — still guide me every day.
Today, this curry has become a regular in my home. My kids love tearing fresh basil into the pot, just like they help with our Fresh Garden Salads, and I love watching them discover flavors with the same curiosity I once had. The smell of turmeric blooming in oil, the gentle simmer of coconut milk, the soft cubes of tofu soaking up the sauce — these small moments bring me back to the simple joy of cooking slowly.
Why This Recipe Works.
If you enjoy cozy plant-based meals like this tofu curry, you might also love my Pumpkin Coconut Poppy Seed Curry, a warm and fragrant bowl perfect for chilly evenings. For something with deeper spice and richness, my Smoky Pumpkin Chili Recipe is a beautiful option. And if you’re craving a wholesome seasonal dinner, my Roasted Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna brings together soft pasta layers, golden roasted pumpkin, and tender greens.
For lighter days, my Healthy Harvest Grain Bowl offers brightness and nourishment in every bite.
Ingredients & Notes
Extra-firm tofu — Holds its shape best. Pressing removes moisture so the tofu browns instead of steaming.
Coconut oil — Adds aroma and richness, but olive oil works too.
Onion — Forms the flavor base; cook until translucent for sweetness.
Garlic & ginger — Essential warmth and brightness.
Turmeric — Adds color and earthiness.
Curry powder — Use a mild or medium blend you enjoy.
Ground coriander — Soft citrusy depth.
Tomatoes (canned or fresh) — Brings acidity to balance the coconut milk.
Coconut milk — Gives the sauce its creamy body.
Vegetable broth — Adjusts thickness without muting flavor.
Spinach — Adds freshness and gentle bitterness; kale works too.
Lime juice — Lifts the final flavor.
Fresh cilantro or basil — A bright finish.
Optional swaps:
- Swap tofu for chickpeas for a nut-free option.
- Add sweet potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
- Use light coconut milk for a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Tofu
Warm a skillet with a splash of oil. Add the pressed tofu cubes and cook until each side turns golden and crisp around the edges.
2. Build the Aromatic Base
In a pot, sauté onion until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and ginger; cook until the aroma becomes warm and sweet.
3. Add the Spices
Stir in turmeric, curry powder, and coriander. Let them bloom in the heat until the pot smells bright and earthy.
4. Create the Sauce
Pour in tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and deepens in color.
5. Add Tofu & Greens
Fold in the browned tofu and spinach. Cook until the greens wilt and the tofu absorbs the sauce.
6. Finish & Serve
Add lime juice, taste for salt, and serve warm with rice or naan.
Variations & Dietary Options
Vegan: Already naturally vegan.
Gluten-free: Ensure your broth and curry powder are certified GF.
Dairy-free: Fully dairy-free as written.
Spicy: Add chili flakes or a diced fresh chili.
High-protein: Add chickpeas or edamame.
Kid-friendly: Reduce spices and add sweet potatoes for natural sweetness.
Fall twist: Add roasted squash and a pinch of cinnamon.
Tips, Storage & Troubleshooting
Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water.
Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Flavor balance: A squeeze of lime brightens; a spoon of coconut milk softens spice.
Refrigeration: Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months (leave out spinach and add fresh after reheating).
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop to preserve texture.
Texture improvement: Sear tofu well — it keeps the curry from becoming mushy.
For readers who enjoy exploring trusted cooking resources, BBC Good Food offers helpful guides and inspiration that complement this cozy homemade recipe.
Can I use silken tofu?
Not recommended — it’s too delicate and breaks apart.
Can I swap coconut milk?
Yes, use cashew cream or a neutral dairy-free cream.
How spicy is this curry?
Mild to medium depending on your curry powder.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — the flavors deepen overnight.
What vegetables pair well?
Carrots, peas, broccoli, or sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
I hope this tofu curry brings the same gentle comfort to your home that it brings to mine. It’s a simple dish, but full of warmth — the kind that makes a quiet evening feel a little softer. If you try it, I’d love for you to share your experience or pass it along to someone who might enjoy a cozy bowl, too.
If you love cozy plant-based comfort like this tofu curry, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Coconut Poppy Seed Curry, or try something lighter like my Healthy Harvest Grain Bowl for busy days.
