Thai Tofu and Eggplant Green Curry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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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.

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