July 1, 2026 · 10 min

Creamy Vegan Thai Coconut Curry with Tofu and Bell Pepper Over Cilantro Lime Rice

Dinner10 min437 cal / serving

There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of Thai coconut curry. The creamy coconut milk, warm curry spices and tender vegetables come together in a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. This vegan version features golden seared tofu and colorful bell pepper, all simmered in a luscious sauce that’s both comforting and vibrant.

Served over buttery jasmine rice with a hint of lime and fresh cilantro, every bite is a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress, this curry is sure to become a favorite. Let the stress melt away as you enjoy this homemade Thai-inspired dish.


Recipe details

Dinner10 min437 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories437 kcalProtein10.9 gFat13.1 gCarbs66.7 gSugar21 gFiber2.3 gSodium8540 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: yesLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: not detectedMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: containsSoy: containsSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Jasmine Rice0.75 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guide
Bell Pepper1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guide
Lime1 unit LimeView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Tofu1 unit TofuView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Curry Powder1 tablespoon Curry PowderView ingredient guide
Coconut Milk1 unit Coconut MilkView ingredient guide
Chili Flakes1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 tablespoon Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Sugar1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. In a small pot, combine rice, 1¼ cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  2. Wash and dry produce. Core, deseed and dice bell pepper into ¾-inch pieces. Zest and quarter the lime. Finely chop cilantro.
  3. Open and drain tofu; press out excess water with paper towels. Halve crosswise, then stand upright and halve vertically. Lay flat and cut into ¾-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook undisturbed until lightly browned on bottom, 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add bell pepper and a pinch of salt to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bell pepper is softened and lightly browned and tofu is browned all over, 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir garlic powder and 2 teaspoons curry powder into the pan. Cook for 1 minute. Shake coconut milk well before opening. Stir in coconut milk, sweet Thai chili sauce, veggie stock concentrates, juice from half the lime and 1 teaspoon sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until sauce thickens and bell pepper is tender, 4-6 minutes. If sauce thickens too quickly, add splashes of water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more lime juice. Turn off heat.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork; stir in half the lime zest, half the cilantro and a drizzle of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Divide rice between bowls and top with curry tofu. Garnish with remaining cilantro and a pinch of chili flakes if desired. Serve with remaining lime wedges.

Recipe Tips

For extra flavor, use more curry powder if you prefer a stronger taste.

If the sauce thickens before the bell pepper is tender, add a splash of water to thin it out.

Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture for a crispier sear.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain white rice. Adjust cooking time and water ratio according to package instructions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your curry powder and stock concentrate are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make this curry spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for more heat.

DandyRecipes community

Rate and discuss this recipe

Your rating and comments help other DandyRecipes readers decide what to cook next.

Your recipe vote

No DandyRecipes user votes yet.

Recipe comments

0 DandyRecipes comments

No DandyRecipes comments yet.

More recipe ideas

12 similar recipes you might like

These suggestions are based on shared ingredients, meal type, and recipe metadata.