Massaman Tofu and Aubergine Curry
Golden fried tofu and silky aubergine in a rich, mellow massaman sauce with a drizzle of chilli oil.
Made with Massaman curry paste and Chinese chilli oil. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.50 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Cook the rice following the packet instructions.
12 min - 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pan. Fry the tofu for 8 minutes, turning, until golden on most sides. Set aside.
8 min - 3
Add the rest of the oil and fry the aubergine for 6 minutes until browned, then add the onion for 3 minutes.
9 min - 4
Add your ready made Massaman curry paste (see the base recipe), made without shrimp paste, and fry for 2 minutes.
2 min - 5
Pour in the coconut milk and water, then add the tamari, tamarind and palm sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
10 min - 6
Add the green beans and tofu and cook for 5 minutes more.
5 min - 7
Stir in the lime juice, taste and serve over the rice with a drizzle of your ready made chilli oil (see the base recipe).
Tips
- Press the tofu in a clean tea towel under a heavy pan for 15 minutes for crisper edges.
- Salt the aubergine for 10 minutes and pat dry if you want it to absorb less oil.
- Add a handful of spinach in the last minute for extra greens.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 to 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Freeze for up to 2 months, though the tofu texture changes slightly.
Questions
Can I use smoked tofu?
Yes, smoked firm tofu adds a deeper flavour and needs no pressing.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes, add 300 g of small waxy potatoes with the coconut milk and cook 10 minutes longer.
Is it vegan?
Yes, when the paste is made without shrimp paste and the chilli oil is vegan, which the base recipe is.
More made with massaman curry paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.