Measure, rinse, and cook the rice according to instructions. Rice help here.
Mis en place the vegetables and ingredients for the curry and the toppings.
Prep the protein if you are using, and time when to cook. I made salmon chunks tossed in a spice mixture and cooked in the air fryer for 16 minutes at 400°. (The air fryer is great for baking tofu, as well.) I started cooking the fish when I started the curry.
Make the curry. Heat a heavy bottom saucepan or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the oil. When it shimmers, add the curry paste and the garlic. Stir and cook for about a minute. Add a spoonful of the coconut milk and use a whisk to combine until smooth. Then add the rest of the coconut milk and continue to stir until smooth. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat and continue to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the vegetables. To cook the veggies in the broth, turn up the heat, drop them in, and stir until they simmer. Then cook for about five minutes until veggies are al dente. To stir fry, heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil, then add the veggies and stir with paddles for about 3 minutes. Remove promptly to a bowl to stop cooking.
Assemble the bowls. Fluff the rice and put rice in the bottom of each bow. Add the vegetables and curry and protein if you are using. Top with diced scallions, a bit of cilantro, and lime wedges.