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

  1. 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

  2. Heat the olive oil

    Pour the olive oil into the sauté pan and heat over medium heat until it shimmers.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté the onion

    Add the sliced onion, lightly salt, and cook over low heat until it becomes translucent, without browning.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add the garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

    Time: PT30S

  5. Sear the zucchini

    Add the zucchini cubes to the sauté pan and toss briefly to coat with oil.

    Time: PT2M

  6. 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

  7. Stir in the coconut milk

    Pour in the coconut milk, mix thoroughly with the wooden spoon until a smooth sauce forms.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Simmer

    Reduce the heat, cover the sauté pan and let simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT20M

  9. 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

  10. 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: September 6, 2026

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Zucchini Coconut Curry

Recipe by Philippe's Kitchen

A creamy zucchini curry with coconut, flavored with curry and sesame oil. Simple, quick and perfect for a vegetarian or vegan dinner, served with basmati rice or quinoa.

EasyFrenchServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.05
Total cost
$1.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Sauté the onion until translucent
  • • Season and toast the spices
  • • Simmer 20 minutes over low heat
  • • Check the zucchini cooking

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle hot oil carefully to avoid burns.
  • • Use oven mitts when handling the hot lid.