Thai Tofu and Eggplant Green Curry
A fragrant Thai curry with silken tofu, eggplant, and coconut milk, balanced with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. This thai-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs block tofu, large eggplant, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 block tofu
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 tbsp green curry paste
Instructions
- Step 1: Grate the 2 stalks lemongrass using a microplane or grater, then add to a large skillet with 2 tbsp green curry paste. Sauté over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the curry paste turns dark green and fragrant with a slightly toasted aroma. Tip: Use the back of a spoon to press the lemongrass into the paste for even distribution.
- Step 2: Dice the 1 large eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes and press the 1 block tofu firmly to remove excess moisture. Add the eggplant and tofu to the skillet, stirring to coat with the curry-lemongrass mixture. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the eggplant edges begin to soften and the tofu develops a light golden crust. Tip: Avoid stirring the eggplant too frequently to allow it to brown slightly.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add the 3 kaffir lime leaves to the skillet, stirring gently to submerge them. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the leaves release their citrusy fragrance and the curry becomes aromatic. Tip: Remove the leaves before serving if desired, though they add depth when left in.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thai Tofu and Eggplant Green Curry take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Thai Tofu and Eggplant Green Curry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep block tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Tofu and Eggplant Green Curry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Thai Tofu and Eggplant Green Curry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Thai Tofu and Eggplant Green Curry?
Thai vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.