You might have noticed that we are fans of curries, and as the fans we are, we explore every single curry type. Let's make a vegetarian Thai yellow curry that is delicious, aromatic, and delivers so much flavor!
Curry is timeless. You can make it year-round, and no one will complain. Depending on the time of the year, you can choose lighter or heavier ingredients and use seasonal produce.
Making a curry vegetarian is a breeze because you only need to make sure you omit the meat, replace it with tofu and vegetables, and ensure the curry paste you use doesn't have fish sauce.
My Green Thai Curry inspired this, a Thai coconut curry on this site, and pairs well with this Aromatic Jasmine Rice and Crispy Tofu, which go great with vegan stews and Chinese Tofu Recipes.
This curry made with homemade yellow curry paste recipe makes an excellent main dish for the fall season recipe, as it is creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor as all fall recipes should be!
Jump to:
💚 Why you will love it
- Simple ingredients
- Quick preparation
- Richly flavorful
- Comforting and creamy
- Nutrient-dense meal
🧾 Ingredients
The ingredients that make this curry so good are:
- Yellow Curry Paste: The heart of the dish, providing a burst of flavor and spice. It's a blend of herbs and spices like turmeric and lemongrass, which saves you time when preparing.
- Eggplant: This veggie is a sponge for flavors, perfect for soaking up our curry sauce. Plus, it's low in calories and fiber, which is excellent for digestion.
- Sweet Potato: Not just for its vibrant color, but sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the spiciness of the curry. They're also packed with vitamins A and C.
- Extra-firm Tofu (optional): A protein-packed addition that absorbs flavors like a champ. If you're looking to up the protein content, this is your go-to.
- Zucchini (Courgette): Adds a light, summery touch to the curry and cooks quickly. It's also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
- Carrots: These bring a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the dish. Carrots are also rich in beta-carotene, which is good for your eyes.
- Ginger: This root adds a zesty kick and layers of flavor complexity. Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Shallots: Milder than onions, shallots add a subtle depth to the curry. They're also rich in antioxidants.
- Garlic: A flavor powerhouse that adds a robust, earthy taste. It is also known for its immune-boosting properties.
- Full-fat Coconut Milk: For that creamy, dreamy texture we all love in a curry. If you opt for light coconut milk, it'll be less creamy but still delicious.
- Green Beans (optional): Add a crunchy texture and a pop of green. They're also a good source of fiber and vitamins.
- Red or Yellow Chili (optional): If you're looking to turn up the heat, add some chili. It's also rich in vitamin C.
Serve with Jasmine Rice.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Suggested Substitution |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | Portobello mushrooms |
| Sweet Potato | Butternut squash |
| Extra-firm Tofu | Tempeh or Seitan |
| Zucchini | Yellow squash |
| Carrots | Parsnips |
| Ginger | Ground ginger |
| Shallots | Red or white onions |
| Garlic | Garlic powder |
| Coconut Milk | Vegetable stock, extra eggplant, spinach, tofu, potatoes |
| Yellow Curry Paste | Blend of yellow chilies, galangal, lemongrass, spices |
| Green Beans | Asparagus |
| Red or Yellow Chili | Bell peppers |
🍽 Equipment
I am currently cooking with my Italian stone pots, which are great multipurpose pots, but before moving, I used a great wok pan that I totally recommend.
🔪 Instructions
We need to follow some easy steps for this curry recipe.
Step 1: First, dice the vegetables, including eggplant, sweet potato, zucchini, and carrots, into medium-sized cubes.
Step 2: Then, roast them in a medium pan in a preheated oven with a pinch of salt and oil.
Hint: You can simplify the process by cooking everything in one pot. If time allows, using the oven can preserve the vegetables' color and texture. For the one-pot method, add the vegetable cubes to the pot once the shallots and garlic are golden, cook for 5 minutes, then add the coconut milk and follow the usual cooking steps. Optionally, coat the vegetables with a teaspoon of coconut or avocado oil.
Step 3: Meanwhile, chop the shallots and garlic. Peel and shred the ginger. On medium heat, stir-fry the shallots and garlic for a minute, and add the curry paste and ginger.
Step 4: When golden, add the coconut milk and stir. Now add the oven-baked vegetables and a cup of water (or vegetable stock), and let the curry simmer. Turn off the heat and optionally top with the green beans.
💡Expert tips
Curries are meant to be served with lots of liquid so that you can make nice soaked scoops with Jasmine Rice.
If you feel you don't have much liquid during the last cooking minutes, add some vegetable stock or water to the mix, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Don't overcook the curry. Otherwise, the vegetables will become soggy!
If you want to make a nice appetizer for your curry night, go for something easy, flavorful, and that doesn't require additional plates, like this unshelled, 10-minute garlic edamame recipe.
🥢 How to serve
Every time I serve a curry, garnishing plays a significant role. People get super excited when they see the presentation, which takes a little time—five minutes maximum.
- Extra flavor: add a bunch of kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, Thai basil leaves, or when adding the coconut milk, and save some to garnish.
- Extra protein. Add this crispy tofu. We make Thai yellow curry with extra firm tofu and/or green beans. Thai curries pair very well with tofu.
- Texture. Top with toasted cashews. Toast cashews on low heat for 2-3 minutes in a flat pan right before serving. Soybean sprouts also work beautifully.
- Looks. I use toasted sesame seeds and some coriander leaves. I also like adding chopped green onions' tops. You can also serve the dish with lemon wedges.
- Extra veggies. Use either green beans or bokchoy; add them when the curry is ready and close the lid. The remaining heat will do the work; serve after 5 minutes. Some people like adding red bell pepper; it is certainly not traditional, but it goes well, so feel free to use it.
- Pair. By all means, pair your curry with freshly made aromatic Thai Jasmine Rice. It is one ingredient, and it is made silently while Thai curry is developing its flavor. Find my recipe on this site.
We also love adding some freshly squeezed lime juice to the dish when already served.
📖 Variations
- Spicy - add extra chili while cooking to imbue heat into the dish.
- Flavor - add 2 tablespoons of tamarind and ginger to add some acidity. Also, add extra ginger or lemongrass stalks or paste to add more intensity to the dish flavors. Have fun!
- Soy Sauce: If you're looking to add an umami kick to your curry, a splash of soy sauce can do wonders. It deepens the flavors and gives the dish a savory twist.
- Tamari: For a gluten-free option that doesn't skimp on flavor, tamari is your best bet. It's similar to soy sauce but without the wheat, making it a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Yellow Curry paste - feel free to use any curry paste. There are pretty decent options. Before making my own yellow curry paste recipe, I used to buy this vegan one in Chinatown or even on Amazon. Remember that making your own curry paste will always add a very distinctive touch to your
❓ FAQ
Yes, feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on availability or preference.
Absolutely, it stores well and flavors deepen overnight.
🥡 Storage
I always double quantities because curries are always better the next day. The flavors intensify. Not only that, but curries are great for meal prepping.
If you have leftovers the next day, don't bother freezing the yellow curry. You may sneak to the fridge and grab cold spoonfuls packed with glorious flavor.
Freeze and thaw either in the microwave or at low heat before eating. Even better, leave thawing 5 hours before in the fridge and warm it up gently. It is always better to expose the veggies to less heat to retain more of their texture and Nutritional value.
🥘 More curry recipes
- Thai Green Vegan Curry
- Eggplant Curry
- Fresh Red Thai Curry
- Chickpea Coconut Curry
- Vegetable Massaman Curry
- Pineapple Thai Curry
If you love zucchini dishes, give this Lebanese-style stuffed zucchini a try; you will love them. We also use them to make vegan ceviche and lemony winter risotto; they are perfect because they can absorb tons of flavor.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Vegetarian Thai Yellow Curry Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 oz sweet potato diced
- 1 eggplant medium, diced
- 3 carrots small
- 1 zucchini
- 3 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon oil common or coconut oil
- 8 oz coconut milk add more if want it creamier
- 2 tablespoons yellow curry paste
- 2 tablespoons ginger freshly grated
- 3 cups water or vegetable stock
- 8 oz crispy tofu optional, included in nutrition facts
- 1 oz cashews optional, included in nutrition facts
Optional extras:
- 1 cup coriander about a bunch, chop only half
- 10 oz green beans without tops
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 bunch bok choy
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- sea salt to taste, optional, omit if following a WFPB diet
- 1 chilli red or yellow
Serve with
Directions
- Dice veggies. Dice the eggplant, sweet potato, zucchini, and carrots into medium-sized cubes. Roast them in a medium pan in a pre-heated oven at 400ºF (200ºC). Optionally, you may choose to add salt and a teaspoon of coconut or avocado oil, to coat the veggie dice. Bake for 15 minutes.You can skip this step and do everything in one pot, the vegetables will lose some of their color and textures, if you have some extra time, use the oven.
- Chop the alilium veggies. Meanwhile, chop the shallots, garlic. Peel and shred the ginger and chili (optional).
- Stir-fry. Heat the sauce pan, add the coconut oil and add shallots and garlic. Keep at medium heat and add the curry paste and ginger. Also, add the chili if using.
- Stir in the coconut milk when the mixture is golden. Add the oven-baked vegetables and a cup of water (or vegetable stock), and let the curry simmer and a creamy sauce form. Then add the spinach (if using), and then add the remaining stock.Add the remaining stock: 1 or 2 cups, depending on how thick you want your curry to be.
- Turn off the heat. Optionally top with the green beans, bok choy and/or crispy tofu (optional). Let the curry settle for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with toasted cashews and sesame seeds.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Ned
Made this for my wife and she really loved it. Thank you for an amazing recipe!!
Rebecca
Hi, in the ingredients list it includes “3 cups water or vegetable stock” but then in the directions I can only find mention of adding 1 cup of water/vegetable stock (step 4). Are the other two cups added at another time or should I only use one cup total? Thank you.
Gus
Hey Rebecca,
Oops, my apologies for the confusion! Thanks for catching that oversight. I've updated the recipe instructions to clarify. Here's how it goes:
After stirring in the coconut milk and adding the oven-baked veggies, you'll initially add just 1 cup of water or vegetable stock. Let the curry simmer until a creamy sauce forms. Then, if you're using spinach, toss it in. Finally, you'll add the remaining 1 or 2 cups of water or vegetable stock, depending on how thick you like your curry.
Hope this clears things up! Feel free to adjust the liquid to your preference. Happy cooking! 🌱🍛
Best,
Gus & Joaco
nancy
dayam what a flavourful curry recipe!! It is my go -to now!
Jacqui
I looooove Thai curry and enjoy exploring new recipes and version all the time. This was such a delicious one - thank you for sharing.
Gus
you are welcome, Jacquie! I am glad you liked the yellow curry!
Jacqui
This Thai yellow curry is so easy to make and so flavorful! Such a winner!
Gus
Hi Jacqui! That's really nice! I am glad to know to enjoyed it!
Lucas
This is definitely a curry recipe I will try out tonight! The perfect combination of ingredients.
Gus
Thanks, Lucas! I'm glad you liked the recipe.
I always appreciate feedback on my recipes, so if you have any thoughts or suggestions for future posts please let me know!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
We love Thai curries and this yellow curry recipe worked really well for us. I made double batch of curry paste and have it ready to make it again soon.
Gus
Thank you for the feedback Sandhya! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe and it worked well in your kitchen.
Anaiah
I love all the vegetables in this Thai yellow curry. It has the perfect combination of flavors and makes a wonderful family dinner.
Joaco
Thank you so much, Anaiah for your review! I'm glad that you enjoyed this dish and I hope you come around soon for more recipes!
Kayla DiMaggio
This Thai Yellow Curry was so delicious! I loved how easy it was and it was soooo creamy!
Joaco
Thank you so much for your feedback! I'm glad to hear that this recipe was easy and delicious. As a plant-based cooking blog, we're always looking for ways to make our dishes more accessible and easier to prepare. We hope you'll try some of the other recipes on Our Plant-Based World soon!
Jess
This is perfect for Fall. Love all the fresh flavors.
Jessica Formicola
This thai yellow curry is absolutely packed with flavor! It was loved by our whole family!
Gus
Thank you so much for the feedback Jessica, it's great to hear that your family enjoyed this dish!
maryanne
Thai curry is one of my husband's favorite foods, and he LOVED this version! I really enjoyed all of the flavors and spices - perfect for a chilly night!
Gus
Thank you for the wonderful review of our Thai Curry, Maryanne! I'm so glad your husband enjoyed it as well. It looks like he has some good taste!
I am so thrilled that you liked all of the flavors and spices in this dish. We have a lot of fun experimenting with new recipes and always love hearing what people think about them. Thank you again for your feedback on our recipe- we really appreciate it!
Anjali
This curry was so tasty and satisfying! We made it for dinner last night and everyone in our family loved it - including the kids! 🙂
Gus
Thank you Anjali for your review! I'm so glad to hear that our curry was a hit with the whole family. We are always working on new recipes to keep things interesting, but we're also happy when people love what we have already created.
Heather Johnson
omg - so delicious - i was so surprised at how much I loved it - with just veggies - i left out the eggplant but went with everything else and it is so good - and yes - even better the next day!
Julie
Como amo la comida Thai! Esta receta esta llena de verduras y su color ya me convence. He probado varios Thai Currys, y esta receta es una de mis favoritos!
Gus
qué bueno que te haya gustado Julie! Nosotros también somos fans! De hecho justo ayer comimos este plato para la cena. Lo hicimos extra picante para agarrar un poquito de calor que ya se nos vino de golpe!
Beth
This is so yummy and healthy. It fits my new healthy lifestyle. Thanks for the great recipe.