Best Thai Red Curry Recipe (2024)

Asian Inspired | Sauces, Dressings, and Seasonings

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Best Thai Red Curry Recipe is a staple sauce in our home. We use this flavor-packed condiment over chicken and veggies, meatballs, in soups, and even seafood. Pair it with your favorite protein or veggies, and serve it over rice or noodles!

Best Thai Red Curry Recipe (1)

Thai Red Sauce

We’ve become mad fans of curry after eating it during a recent vacation to Hawaii. I love how versatile it is, as it goes so well with really anything – meatballs, chicken, seafood, just plain veggies, rice, noodles – and you name it.

This semi-homemade curry sauce will make you happy – as it does me!

Why This Recipe Works:

  • SIMPLE– This is a quick and simple recipe using mostly pantry ingredients. You can make it in under 30 minutes.
  • FULL OF FLAVOR– We love the slightly spicy kick of red curry. It packs a serious flavor punch in Thai food and in everything it touches! The fresh aromatics are also key for Thai curries.
  • PERFECT CONDIMENT– This sauce can be stored in a jar and used whenever needed. A great recipe to prep ahead.

NOTE: If storing this sauce in the refrigerator for later, you’ll notice that the ingredients will separate. No worries. Just shake it up (if stored in a jar) or whisk it (if stored in a bowl).

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Ways to Use Thai Red Sauce:

We use Thai Red Sauce in a variety of Thai recipes including the following:

  • Curried Meatballs and Rice
  • Curry Fish Stew
  • Thai Sweet Potato Soup
  • Chicken Curry with Vegetables –Use either chicken breast or chicken thighs.
  • You could also use this sauce over your favorite veggies with brown rice, white jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice.
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Ingredients needed for Best Thai Red Curry Recipe:

You should be able to find all of these ingredients in your local grocery store. If you can’t find the Thai curry paste, try an Asian grocery store or Amazon sells it too.

  • Olive Oil– This is needed for sautéing the ginger and garlic.
  • Fresh Ginger andGarlic– These fresh ingredients are necessary for flavor. You will smell them immediately during the sauté process!
  • Thai Curry Paste– Use one 4 oz. bottle of Thai Red Curry Paste.
  • Canned Coconut Milk– I recommend using full-fat coconut milk for this creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth– One cup of lower-sodium chicken broth is all you need.
  • Lime Zest– This adds some brightness to the sauce. You could also use a squeeze of lime juice as well.
  • Sugar– To balance the flavors.
  • Seasonings– Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional, but good).
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How to make the Best Red Thai Curry:

Step 1
Sauté veggies. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and then the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for one minute, stirring constantly.

Step 2
Add remaining ingredients. Add the curry paste, coconut milk, chicken broth, lime zest, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.

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Step 3
Serve. Serve the sauce over rice or noodles and your favorite protein and/or vegetable. The sky is the limit!

Store the red curry sauce in an airtight container if prepping it ahead of time. We like storing it in a large mason jar.

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Is curry sauce spicy?

This recipe is on the spicy side. But you can find other versions that are milder in flavor. There are three basic types of curry that you normally see in restaurants, and they vary according to the paste they use, and the chef that is preparing them. Use personal preference when deciding which curry to use.

  • Red Curryuses red curry paste, which includes red chilies and other spicy ingredients like chili powder to make this the spiciest sauce of all three.
  • Yellow Curryincludes yellow curry paste which is milder than red, and includes turmeric that provides that yellow color.
  • Green Curryfeatures green curry paste, containing fresh coriander to provide a green color, and an even milder flavor.

Recipe FAQs:

Can I make my own red curry paste?

Yes, you can make homemade curry paste using ingredients like red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, and shrimp paste. However, store-bought curry paste is a convenient option if you’re short on time.

Can I use low-fat coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?

Yes, you can use light coconut milk for a lighter version of Thai red curry. However, full-fat coconut milk provides a richer and creamier texture.

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Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

Pleaselet me know if you try this recipe. Be sure to comment and leave a review on the blog so I can see what you think. You can also like my Facebook Page, follow me onPinterest, and catch me onInstagram.

xoxo ~Sue

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Best Thai Red Curry Recipe

Best Thai Red Curry Recipeis a staple sauce in our home. We use this flavor-packed condiment over chicken and veggies, meatballs, in soups, and even seafood. Pair it with your favorite protein or veggies, and serve it over rice or noodles!

4.59 from 17 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American, Indian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 1/2 cup servings

Calories: 156kcal

Author: Sue Ringsdorf

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons ginger – minced
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 oz. Thai red curry paste
  • 13.5 oz. full-fat unsweetened coconut milk – 1 can
  • 1 cup lower sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
  • pinch of red pepper flakes – for extra heat

Instructions

  • In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

  • Add the ginger and garlic and stir contantly for one minute. Then add the curry paste, coconut milk, chicken broth, lime zest, sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, add red pepper flakes.

  • Bring mixture to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes.

  • Serve over rice or noodles, and your favorite protein and vegetables.

Notes

NOTE: If storing this sauce in the refrigerator for later, you’ll notice that the ingredients will separate. No worries. Just shake it up (if stored in a jar) or whisk it (if stored in a bowl).

RECIPES TO USE RED CURRY WITH:

  • Curried Meatballs and Rice
  • Curry Fish Stew
  • Thai Sweet Potato Soup
  • Chicken Curry with Vegetables

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2977IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @Suebeehomemaker or tag #suebeehomemaker!

Best Thai Red Curry Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good Thai curry? ›

The secret to making amazing Thai curries is to use plenty of aromatics, like onion, ginger and garlic. Choose full-fat coconut milk for its richness (you won't regret it!). Stirring in just a little bit of rice vinegar and sugar adds tons of complexity.

How to make red curry taste better? ›

It's important to taste your curry before serving, to check the seasoning and intensity. If at that final taste you find your flavors are too intense, too spicy, and even tasting a bit metalic, add in some fresh coconut milk. It will mellow out all the flavors and add a lovely fresh coconut aroma.

What is the secret to a great curry? ›

Tips for the Perfect Curry
  1. Use fresh spices. For the best results, always try to use fresh spices. ...
  2. Give the spices a toast. ...
  3. Wrap up your whole spices. ...
  4. Blitz your tomatoes. ...
  5. Onions are the key. ...
  6. Don't overcook your chicken. ...
  7. Keep your garlic and ginger fresh. ...
  8. Add exciting toppings.

How do Thai restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

Often, Thai curries are made using coconut milk as the main liquid, which results in a creamy consistency. You can use as much or as little coconut milk as you wish based on your preference for texture, spice, and flavor.

What makes restaurant Thai curry so good? ›

An interesting characteristic of Thai curries is that they are made of fresh ingredients only. Contrary to the Indian cooking, Thai restaurant prefers to use fresh herbs and spices to make the curry dishes, including fresh chillies and roots.

Do you put coconut milk or paste first in Thai curry? ›

Start with half the coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of paste (remember you can always add more later, but you cannot take out), and the protein you're using. Then finish with the rest of the ingredients (proportions below). Bring to a boil, and then let simmer until protein is cooked through.

How to make curry taste like restaurant? ›

Simple suggestions for restaurant good quality curries:
  1. Fry your onions till they are golden brown.
  2. Fry your spices but don't burn them. ...
  3. Use good quality spices. ...
  4. Seasoning. ...
  5. Use fatty yoghurt (greek style works) in curries to make them richer. ...
  6. Patience. ...
  7. Use a neutral vegetable oil. ...
  8. Experiment.
Jun 24, 2018

How to improve Thai curry? ›

10 tips for the perfect Thai curry:
  1. Homemade paste for the best taste.
  2. Fresh Thai ingredients for vibrancy.
  3. Toast the spices to wake them up.
  4. Turmeric for colour and seasoning.
  5. Pound the paste to release its flavour.
  6. Fry the paste in coconut oil.
  7. Caramel adds sweetness and depth.
  8. Choose your protein.

What is the most important spice in curry? ›

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

What thickens a Thai curry? ›

Corn flour starch - in most curries, if it turns out to be runny, thr quick fix is corn flour starch. Simmer the flame - Yes. Most curries doesn't need to the thick when we actually prepare them.

When to add coconut milk to curry? ›

Once the spices and veg have cooked, add in the coconut milk and a couple cups of chicken stock. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil and then lower to about medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken! I normally do 10 minutes, but if you like a really thick sauce, take it longer.

Which Thai curry is creamiest? ›

Thai massaman

It's popular in central and southern Thailand, and is usually topped off with potatoes and peanuts. This Thai curry is relatively mild in flavour, but I love how rich and creamy it is.

How to make Thai curry more flavourful? ›

10 tips for the perfect Thai curry:
  1. Homemade paste for the best taste.
  2. Fresh Thai ingredients for vibrancy.
  3. Toast the spices to wake them up.
  4. Turmeric for colour and seasoning.
  5. Pound the paste to release its flavour.
  6. Fry the paste in coconut oil.
  7. Caramel adds sweetness and depth.
  8. Choose your protein.

What is the secret ingredient for curry? ›

Whether you may be familiar with the differences between curries from various countries, such as Indian versus Japanese curry, and perhaps even know how to make them at home, there's a special flavor enhancer that you may not have thought to add: honey.

What enhances the flavor of curry? ›

Kick off your curry by heating whole spices in hot oil to unleash their flavor. Choose from cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and seeds for the perfect base to your dish. Fresh spices are the best choice and will keep for longer in the freezer.

What is the most flavorful Thai curry? ›

5 Mouth Watering Thai Curries That'll Leave You Wanting More
  • Green Curry. This Green Curry is one of the best Thai curries if you like hot, spicy food. ...
  • Red Curry. Kaeng Phet is as spicy as they come, bursting with the flavor of both fresh and dried red chillis. ...
  • Yellow Curry. ...
  • Panang Curry. ...
  • Massaman Curry.
Mar 9, 2020

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