Zucchini Coconut Curry
Zucchini Coconut Curry is a easy French recipe that serves 4. 418 calories per serving. Recipe by Philippe's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $6.05 total, $1.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 kg Zucchini (small) (Preferably organic, cut into 2 cm cubes)
- 500 ml Coconut milk (Canned, well shaken before use)
- 1 c. à soupe Curry powder (Mild or medium depending on taste)
- 1 c. à café Sesame oil (Unrefined oil for more flavor)
- 2 c. à soupe Olive oil (Extra virgin)
- 1 Garlic clove (Finely minced)
- 1 Onion (Medium, sliced)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper (Freshly ground preferably)
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables and garlic
Trim the ends of the zucchini, cut them lengthwise in half, then dice into approximately 2 cm cubes. Slice the onion and finely mince the garlic clove.
Time: PT10M
Heat the olive oil
Pour the olive oil into the sauté pan and heat over medium heat until it shimmers.
Time: PT2M
Sauté the onion
Add the sliced onion, lightly salt, and cook over low heat until it becomes translucent, without browning.
Time: PT5M
Add the garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Time: PT30S
Sear the zucchini
Add the zucchini cubes to the sauté pan and toss briefly to coat with oil.
Time: PT2M
Season and toast the spices
Sprinkle the curry, pour the sesame oil, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to release the aromas.
Time: PT5M
Stir in the coconut milk
Pour in the coconut milk, mix thoroughly with the wooden spoon until a smooth sauce forms.
Time: PT2M
Simmer
Reduce the heat, cover the sauté pan and let simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT20M
Check the cooking and adjust seasoning
Pierce the larger zucchini cubes with a knife tip; they should be tender yet slightly firm. Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed.
Time: PT3M
Serve
Spoon the zucchini curry onto warm plates, optionally garnish with a drizzle of sesame oil or fresh cilantro. Serve with basmati rice or quinoa.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 418
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 29 g
- Fat
- 31 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy‑free, Low‑carb
Allergens: Coconut, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Zucchini (small): Summer squash, Cucumber (raw)
- Instead of Coconut milk: Coconut cream, Almond milk
- Instead of Curry powder: Curry paste, Garam masala
- Instead of Sesame oil: Peanut oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Olive oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Garlic clove: Garlic powder (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
Equipment Needed
- Large sauté pan
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Lid for the sauté pan
- Mixing bowl (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté the onion until translucent
- Season and toast the spices
- Simmer 20 minutes over low heat
- Check the zucchini cooking
Chef Tips from the Video
- For more depth, add a lemongrass leaf during the coconut milk cooking, then remove before serving.
- Sprinkle lime zest just before serving for a fresh note.
Troubleshooting
The sauce is too watery.
Simmer for an additional 5‑10 minutes uncovered to reduce.
The zucchini are too soft.
Reduce cooking time to 12‑15 minutes and check texture earlier.
The curry is too bland.
Add an extra half‑teaspoon of curry or a bit of curry paste.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for 1 to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the curry sauce and store it in the refrigerator for 2 days before using.
- Zucchini can be pre-cut and kept in cold water to prevent oxidation.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






