Easy & Healthy Vegan Lemongrass Tofu & Broccoli Curry: Your Fragrant Weeknight Meal!

Craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh, aromatic flavors, incredibly healthy, and surprisingly quick to prepare? Look no further than this delightful vegan lemongrass curry with tofu and broccoli! This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you desire a taste of invigorating Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine. The distinctive zesty essence of fresh lemongrass, the earthy goodness of tender-crisp broccoli, and the protein power of perfectly marinated tofu come together in a symphony of flavors and textures. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this easy-to-make dish is a true winner that will nourish your body, delight your palate, and might even become a new family favorite!

Key Ingredients for Your Lemongrass Tofu & Broccoli Curry

The beauty of this lemongrass tofu curry lies in its vibrant, fresh ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a harmonious and utterly delicious meal. Understanding each component not only helps in selection but also enhances your appreciation for the dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to select them for the best flavor:

• Fresh Lemongrass: This aromatic herb is undeniably the star of the show, imparting a unique citrusy, ginger-like, and slightly minty flavor that is essential to the curry’s character. Look for firm, fragrant stalks with green outer leaves. Avoid any that are dry, cracked, or withered. For this recipe, you’ll primarily use the tender, pale inner core (about 3-4 inches from the root end), as the top green parts are too fibrous.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and indispensable base flavor that complements the lemongrass beautifully. Always use fresh cloves for the most vibrant taste.
• Red Onion: When thinly sliced and lightly sautéed, red onion adds a subtle sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast to the dish, mellowing as it cooks.
• Lemon Juice & Lime Juice: The combination of fresh lemon and lime juice is critical. It introduces a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness, balances the other flavors, and invigorates the palate. Freshly squeezed juice makes a significant difference compared to bottled.
• Soy Sauce: A cornerstone of Asian cuisine, soy sauce delivers a deep, savory umami flavor and saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, be sure to use tamari, which offers a similar taste profile without wheat.
• Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar helps to balance the acidity of the citrus juices and the savory notes of the soy sauce, adding a touch of mellow sweetness and promoting a slight caramelization during cooking.
• Tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu is ideal for this lemongrass tofu recipe. Its robust structure holds up well during cooking, and more importantly, it readily absorbs the rich flavors of the marinade. We’ll delve into proper tofu preparation shortly to ensure optimal texture and taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro is a must for garnish. Its bright, herbaceous notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the curry’s warmth and aromatics.
• Red Chili: Fresh red chili adds a lovely kick and a touch of vibrant color. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level. If you prefer a milder curry, remove the seeds or use less; for more heat, add an extra slice or two.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets contribute essential greens, a healthy dose of fiber, and a wonderful crunch when cooked just right. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that pairs perfectly with the curry flavors.
• Cashew Nuts: Crushed cashew nuts are sprinkled on top just before serving. They provide a delightful textural crunch and a rich, buttery, nutty flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully.
• Rice (to serve): While any type of rice works well, brown rice is an excellent choice for its slightly nutty flavor, chewiness, and higher fiber content, making it a wholesome complement to this healthy vegan curry. Jasmine rice also provides a wonderful aromatic base.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Fragrant Curry

Creating this delicious and aromatic lemongrass and tofu curry is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these easy steps to bring this healthy and flavorful meal to your table in no time:

• Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade. Begin by gathering your key aromatic and liquid ingredients. In a blender or food processor, combine the finely sliced tender part of the lemongrass, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh lime juice, soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari), and brown sugar. Blend until you achieve a smooth, fragrant paste. This step is crucial, as this mixture forms the backbone of your curry’s incredible flavor.
• Step 2: Marinate the Tofu. Transfer the vibrant blended marinade into a large mixing bowl. Add your prepared tofu cubes (ensure they are pressed and cut evenly to absorb flavors uniformly). Gently fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and the sliced red chili. The marinating process is key to infusing the tofu with incredible depth and flavor.
• Step 3: Chill and Infuse Flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the marinating tofu for a minimum of 30 minutes. This allows the tofu to fully absorb the aromatic and tangy flavors of the lemongrass mixture, resulting in a much more deeply flavored and satisfying curry. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2-3 hours.
• Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics. While the tofu marinates, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften and become translucent. This releases its subtle sweetness and builds a foundational layer of flavor.
• Step 5: Cook the Marinated Tofu. Carefully add the marinated tofu cubes to the hot pan, pouring in all the remaining marinade from the bowl. Season with a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the tofu will warm through, and the marinade will reduce and thicken slightly, coating the tofu with its delicious essence. Be careful not to overcook the tofu; you want it heated and flavorful, not dry.
• Step 6: Blanch the Broccoli. In parallel with cooking the tofu, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a teaspoon of coarse salt to the boiling water, then carefully add the broccoli florets. Cook for exactly 1 minute. This quick blanching step ensures the broccoli retains its vibrant green color, essential nutrients, and a perfect tender-crisp texture, avoiding any mushiness.
• Step 7: Drain and Combine. Promptly drain the blanched broccoli in a colander. Once the tofu curry is ready and has reached your desired consistency, add the drained broccoli to the pan. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the broccoli is coated in the fragrant curry sauce.
• Step 8: Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle generously with crushed cashew nuts for a delightful crunch and nutty finish. Serve your aromatic and healthy lemongrass tofu and broccoli curry immediately over a steaming bed of your favorite rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice. Enjoy the incredible flavors and textures of this homemade vegan masterpiece!

Preparing Your Tofu for Optimal Flavor and Texture

The secret to perfectly cooked tofu that readily absorbs all the incredible flavors of this lemongrass tofu recipe, and achieves a pleasant, firm texture, is proper preparation. Most store-bought tofu comes packed in water, which needs to be removed to allow the tofu to become more dense and porous. This critical step ensures it can effectively soak up marinades and crisps up nicely when cooked, rather than being soggy.

Pressing the tofu: For the best results, always press your tofu before marinating. You can do this by wrapping the block in a few layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, placing it on a plate, and then setting a heavy object (like a cast-iron pan, several cans, or a stack of books) on top. Let it press for at least 30 minutes, or even longer (up to an hour) for extra firmness. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final texture and the tofu’s ability to absorb the fragrant lemongrass marinade.

For those who are adventurous in the kitchen and enjoy a culinary challenge, you might even consider making your own tofu from scratch! While it requires a bit more time and effort, homemade tofu offers a unique freshness and allows for complete control over the ingredients and texture. This video provides an excellent visual guide on how to make homemade tofu, perfect for enthusiasts looking to elevate their plant-based cooking:

Expert Tips for the Best Lemongrass Curry

Achieving the perfect lemongrass tofu and broccoli curry is easy when you keep a few key techniques in mind. These expert tips will help you maximize flavor, ensure optimal texture, and make your cooking experience even more enjoyable:

• Choose Fresh Lemongrass for Superior Flavor: This is paramount. For the most potent, authentic, and aromatic experience, always opt for fresh lemongrass. The subtle citrusy, floral, and slightly spicy notes are far superior to dried or pre-minced jarred versions. Remember to use only the tender, pale inner stalk for blending.
• Press Your Tofu Thoroughly: As discussed, pressing tofu is a game-changer. It removes excess water, allowing the tofu to become a sponge for your flavorful marinade and ensures a firmer, more appealing texture when sautéed. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Overcook the Tofu: Tofu cooks relatively quickly. You want it heated through, nicely coated in the thickened marinade, and still firm to the bite – not mushy or overly chewy. Keep a close eye on it during the 6-minute cooking time and adjust as needed.
• Perfectly Blanched Broccoli is Key: The goal for the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Cooking it for precisely one minute in boiling salted water achieves this ideal texture and helps retain maximum nutrients and vibrant color. Overcooked broccoli turns dull and soft.
• Adjust Spice Levels to Your Liking: The fresh red chili adds a wonderful warmth to this fragrant curry. If you prefer a milder dish, use less chili or remove the seeds. For those who love heat, feel free to add an extra slice or two, or even a dash of sriracha at the end.
• Always Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, take a moment to taste your curry. Flavors can vary, and your palate is the best guide. You might find it needs a little more lime juice for tang, an extra dash of soy sauce for umami depth, or a pinch more brown sugar to balance any tartness.
• Consider Meal Prep: This easy vegan dinner makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and healthy lunch the next day.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and freshest flavors, serve the curry as soon as it’s finished cooking.

Customizing Your Lemongrass Curry: Creative Twists and Variations

One of the most exciting aspects of this lemongrass and broccoli tofu curry is its incredible versatility! The base flavors are so robust and adaptable that you can easily experiment and personalize it to your taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply what ingredients you have readily available. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

• Embrace Creaminess with Coconut Milk: For a richer, more authentic Thai-style curry experience, consider adding 1/2 to 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk after the tofu has cooked for a few minutes in its marinade. Simmer gently until the curry is heated through and slightly thickened. This addition will transform the sauce into a luscious, velvety delight, perfect for those who love a creamy curry.
• Explore a Rainbow of Vegetables: While broccoli is a fantastic choice, this healthy weeknight meal welcomes a wide array of other vegetables. Feel free to incorporate sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), earthy mushrooms, crisp snap peas, thinly sliced carrots, tender green beans, or even fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted). The more veggies, the merrier and more nutritious!
• Alternative Protein Choices: If you’re not strictly vegan or want to try something different, this recipe can be easily adapted. Replace the tofu with thinly sliced chicken breast, succulent shrimp, or even flaky firm white fish. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through safely.
• Vary the Nutty Crunch: Instead of cashews, experiment with other crunchy toppings. Toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or a mix of chopped almonds can offer a different flavor profile and texture to your lemongrass tofu curry.
• Boost the Aromatics: For an even deeper and more complex flavor, consider adding a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, finely minced, to the marinade blend. A sprinkle of fresh green onions (scallions), thinly sliced, also makes a wonderful and pungent garnish.
• Amp Up the Heat: For spice lovers, a dash of sriracha, a few drops of chili oil, or even a pinch of dried chili flakes added at the end can elevate the spice level to your desired intensity.
• Tofu-Free Broccoli Curry Options:
  • To transition this into an Indian broccoli curry, you can simply omit the tofu and introduce traditional Indian spices. Think turmeric for color, coriander and cumin for warmth, and a touch of garam masala for an aromatic finish, adjusting the liquid content as needed.
  • For a delightful Thai pumpkin and broccoli curry, leave out the tofu and add small cubes of pumpkin and zucchini to the pan, simmering them until tender. This variation pairs exceptionally well with the addition of coconut milk mentioned earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lemongrass Curry

Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious vegan lemongrass curry, ensuring you have all the information you need for a perfect meal:

• What is lemongrass and how do I prepare it? Lemongrass is a tall, stalky plant with a subtle citrus flavor and a hint of ginger and mint. It’s a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. To prepare it for cooking, remove the tough, dry outer layers. You’ll typically use the bottom 3-4 inches of the pale, tender inner stalk. This part can be finely sliced, minced, or pounded into a paste for marinades and curry bases. The upper, greener parts are more fibrous and often used to infuse broths or teas, but generally not eaten directly in dishes like this.
• Can I make this curry ahead of time for meal prep? Absolutely! This lemongrass tofu and broccoli curry is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the marinade and marinate the tofu overnight in the refrigerator, which will deepen the flavors even further. The cooked curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats wonderfully on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe as written uses soy sauce, which traditionally contains wheat. However, making it gluten-free is very easy! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative with a very similar savory flavor profile. Always check the labels to ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if this is a strict dietary requirement.
• What kind of rice should I serve with this curry? We highly recommend brown rice for its nutty flavor, delightful chewiness, and added fiber content, which perfectly complements the healthiness of this plant-based curry. However, jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa would also pair wonderfully with the fragrant and zesty flavors of this curry.
• Can I add other proteins or make it non-vegan? Yes, this recipe is quite flexible! While it’s designed as a delicious vegan dish, you can certainly substitute the tofu if you prefer. Thinly sliced chicken breast, succulent shrimp, or firm white fish would all work well. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through and safe to eat.

More Delicious Vegan Dinner Recipes You Will Love

If you thoroughly enjoyed this fragrant lemongrass tofu and broccoli curry and are looking to expand your repertoire of wholesome, plant-based meals, we have plenty more delightful vegan dinner recipes for you to explore. These dishes are perfect for keeping your meals exciting, healthy, and full of flavor:

• Indian Zucchini
• Vegetable Tikka Masala
• Easy Aloo Gobi (Indian Cauliflower Curry)
• Broccoli Curry (Indian Style)

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First published July 26, 2018. Last updated April 3, 2021 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.