Not every supermarket will sell Thai red curry paste. And that's a shame. Thai red curry paste adds complexity to any savory dish. It pairs particularly well with peanut butter.
I'm fortunate to live in walking distance to an international food market that carries this inexpensive, long lasting curry paste in red, yellow and green. I haven't checked for online sources.
It's worth seeking out if you love exotic and spicy flavors.
Red Curry Rice with Green Beans
Text and Photo by Jac Kyles Baker
Serves 1 as a main course. Serves 2 as a side dish.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
1/2 package extra firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp paprika
1 TB vegetable oil
For vegetables and rice:
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup frozen cut green beans, thawed
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 TB Thai red curry paste
3/4 instant white rice
3/4 cup water or vegetable broth
dry roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)
salt to taste
Preparation
Prepare tofu:
Combine the spices, sugar and salt together in a small bowl. Add mixture to tofu cubes and gently toss to coat. Do the same with the oil. Set aside for at least twenty minutes.
Oil a microwave safe plate or flat bottomed pan. Add half of seasoned tofu to plate. Spread in one layer.
Microwave tofu on HIGH for 3 minutes. Carefully remove from microwave and gently flip cubes with a spoon or spatula. Return to microwave and cook on HIGH for another 3 minutes.
Remove cooked tofu to serving bowl or plate.
For vegetables and rice:
Combine green beans, garlic and onion. Cover. Microwave on HIGH 2 minutes. Drain excess water.
Add oil and salt to taste. Add vegetables to a microwave safe plate. Microwave on HIGH 5 minutes. Onions will begin to brown. Carefully remove from microwave. Set aside.
Add vegetables, rice and water/broth to a large bowl with red curry paste. Cover bowl. Microwave on MED (50% power) 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Carefully remove bowl from microwave. Check progress; most water should have evaporated. Return bowl to microwave. Microwave on MED (50% power) 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
Carefully remove bowl from microwave. Let stand for at least five minutes.
In a large serving bowl, gently fold in tofu into rice and vegetables. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.
Carefully remove bowl from microwave. Serve immediately, garnished with peanuts.