Name: 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 12 ounces firm tofu; A swish of olive oil; A sprinkle of salt; 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons green curry paste (Thai Kitchen recommended); Three 14-ounce cans coconut milk; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup white rice; A handful of chopped fresh cilantro; A handful of golden raisins; A splash of fish sauce; A sprinkle of brown sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, soul-comforting dish that comes together with just a handful of ingredients, this 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy coconut milk melds beautifully with assertive green curry paste, tender sweet potatoes, crisp broccoli, and golden pan-fried tofu for a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with guests, and once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this quick, colorful curry in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows four white bowls on a white marbled surface. The top bowl holds many orange cubed sweet potatoes with a smooth texture and slightly shiny surface. To the right, another white bowl is filled with many cream-white cubes of tofu that have a soft, slightly rough texture. Below, a third white bowl contains fresh green broccoli florets with a bumpy texture and small stems. Near the center, there is an open can filled with creamy white coconut milk next to a small glass jar holding a dark green paste. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe, you’ll rely on a thoughtfully curated list of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the tofu brings protein and hearty texture, sweet potatoes add sweetness and creaminess, green curry paste delivers the punch of spices, coconut milk creates that luscious sauce, and fresh vegetables add the perfect crunch and color. Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

Firm tofu: Press and cube it for a satisfyingly crispy and golden bite after pan-frying.
Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the spiciness of the curry beautifully.
Green curry paste: This fragrant base infuses the dish with aromatic herbs and spices, providing depth and heat.
Coconut milk: Creamy and rich, it mellows the curry while adding luscious texture.
Broccoli florets: Bright green and fresh, they offer a pleasant crunch and vibrant color.
White rice: The perfect vehicle to soak up that fragrant curry sauce.
Olive oil and salt: For frying the tofu to crispy perfection and seasoning.
Golden raisins and fresh cilantro: These add unexpected sweet and herbaceous layers to elevate the dish.
Fish sauce and brown sugar: Just a touch of these will round out the flavors with salty umami and subtle sweetness.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Pan-Fry the Tofu

Start by pressing your firm tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps it achieve that coveted crispy edge when cooked. Cut the tofu into cubes, then heat a little olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes, sprinkle with salt, and let them fry undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes until beautifully golden and slightly crisp on the outside. Once done, remove the tofu and set it aside — this golden goodness is the protein backbone for your curry.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While your tofu crisps up, get your white rice going according to the package instructions. It’s the perfect companion for soaking up every last bit of that rich green curry sauce later on.

Step 3: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Green Curry Paste

In the same pot you used for the tofu (no need to rinse it out), add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, the luscious coconut milk, and a generous four tablespoons of green curry paste. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften and soak up all those beautiful flavors. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes—it’s worth the wait for that tender, flavorful base.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Tofu; Finish Cooking

Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stir in your broccoli florets and the golden tofu cubes. Let everything simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright, crisp-tender, and the tofu is warmed through. This last step locks in freshness and texture, making every spoonful a delight.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Here’s where the magic truly happens. Toss in a handful of golden raisins and fresh cilantro — these may seem unexpected but trust me, they add wonderful sweet notes and fresh brightness. Then, splash in a little fish sauce and sprinkle some brown sugar to taste. This secret combo balances the curry’s spice, sweetness, and saltiness, rounding out all those layered flavors perfectly. Give it a final stir and your curry is ready.

How to Serve 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dish with several layers in a white skillet on a white marbled surface. The base layer is a creamy white sauce. On top of this, there are small broccoli pieces with a bright green, somewhat rough texture. Surrounding the broccoli are softly cooked orange chunks, likely sweet potatoes or carrots, with a smooth texture. The main layer on top consists of golden-brown, crispy tofu cubes with a slightly rough surface. Scattered over the tofu and vegetables are small bits of fresh green herbs, possibly parsley or cilantro, adding a vibrant splash of color. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds an herby brightness, and those golden raisins lend a fun pop of sweetness and chewy texture. You can also add a wedge of lime to squeeze over for an extra zesty flair.

Side Dishes

This green curry is hearty enough to stand alone with rice, but if you’re in the mood to elevate the meal, opt for light, refreshing sides. A crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed greens complement the richness of the curry beautifully. For a crunch factor, some toasted peanuts on the side can also be delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe in rustic bowls for cozy family dinners or in individual soup cups for an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. Layer the white rice first, ladle the curry over, and top with the vibrant garnishes for a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or edible flowers can make it special and Instagram-worthy in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might, since this recipe yields eight servings), store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The curry flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Just be mindful that the tofu’s texture may soften slightly but remains delicious.

Freezing

This green curry freezes well, making it a convenient meal prep option. Cool your curry completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.

Reheating

When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to preserve the curry’s creamy texture and prevent the coconut milk from separating. Add a splash of water or extra coconut milk if it feels too thick. Microwave reheating works well too—just pause to stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes and broccoli are fantastic here, feel free to swap or add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender yet crisp.

Is this recipe vegan?

With a small tweak, it can be. The recipe calls for a little fish sauce, which can be omitted or replaced with soy sauce or tamari to keep it fully vegan while retaining the umami depth.

How spicy is this curry?

The level of heat depends on the green curry paste brand you use. Thai green curry paste typically has a mild to moderate kick, but you can adjust by adding more or less to suit your spice preference.

What’s the best way to press tofu?

Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, then place a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books on top for 15 to 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture, helping it crisp up nicely when cooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure your green curry paste and fish sauce are gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten ingredients. Pairing it with naturally gluten-free rice keeps the dish safe and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Green Curry Recipe is proof that flavorful cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s comforting, exciting, and downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—once you do, it’ll undoubtedly become a go-to in your kitchen!