Quick Vegan Thai Red Curry with Air Fryer Tofu (Maesri Paste)

Craving Thai food? This quick vegan red curry uses Maesri paste and crispy air fryer tofu to make a flavorful, restaurant-style meal in under 30 minutes.

What Is Thai Red Curry?

Thai red curry is a coconut milk–based curry made with red chili paste and aromatic spices. In home cooking, red curry paste is typically simmered in coconut milk to release its flavor before vegetables and protein are added. Many Thai curry pastes are naturally vegan, making red curry a popular choice for plant-based meals.

This vegan red curry uses Maesri red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, crispy air fryer tofu, and fresh vegetables to create a bold, Thai-inspired dish without complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

This vegan Thai red curry uses Maesri curry paste, coconut milk, tofu, and fresh vegetables for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.

• 1 (4 oz) can Maesri Thai Red Curry Paste
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1–2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 block firm tofu
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup spinach
• 2–3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar, to taste (optional)
• 2 tbsp lime juice (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp sesame oil, to taste (optional)
• Cooked rice of choice

Instructions

Prepare the rice and tofu

• Begin cooking the rice according to package directions.
• Cut the tofu into small cubes and air fry at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until lightly crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, press the tofu and shallow fry it in a pan while prepping the curry.

Build the curry base

• Heat 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Chop the red onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, then sauté until lightly charred but still crisp (or to your preference).
• Stir in the coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and rice wine vinegar (if using) until well combined.

Finish and serve

• Add the cooked tofu, spinach, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice.
• Stir gently, then remove from heat to preserve the bright flavors.
• Serve hot over freshly cooked rice.

Tips

• Feel free to use vegan chick strips instead of tofu or substitute in any different veggies, curry paste bases! Maesri has a tasty variety pack to mix things up.

Vegan Thai Curry FAQs

Q: Is Thai red curry vegan?

A: Thai red curry can be vegan when made with plant-based curry paste and coconut milk. Always check the curry paste ingredients, as some brands include shrimp or fish sauce.

Q: Is Maesri red curry paste vegan?

A: Many Maesri curry pastes are vegan-friendly, but it’s best to check the label, as ingredients can vary by flavor.

Q: Can I make vegan red curry ahead of time?

A: Yes, vegan red curry stores well in the refrigerator for several days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.