Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut and Eggplant
A vibrant green curry simmered with tender Thai eggplant, bamboo shoots, and a creamy coconut milk base. This thai-inspired thai (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs green curry paste, coconut milk, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp green curry paste
- 14 oz coconut milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup Thai eggplants, quartered
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1/2 cup water
- for serving steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp green curry paste and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and the oil separates from the paste.
- Step 2: Pour in 14 oz coconut milk and 1/2 cup water, stirring to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup quartered Thai eggplants, 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup trimmed green beans. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp palm sugar, adjusting seasoning to balance salty and sweet flavors.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, letting the residual heat wilt them.
- Step 6: Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice for a classic Thai meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut and Eggplant take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut and Eggplant?
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 green curry paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut and Eggplant?
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 Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut and Eggplant 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.
Is Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut and Eggplant vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Coconut milk gave it that authentic Thai creaminess I've been missing.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The eggplant melted perfectly into the curry.
- ★★★★☆
My family devoured this—kids even ate the veggies!