Who doesn’t love a Thai curry?I love how Thai curry is so versatile, and how you can cook them with all kinds of meats, seafood or veg to mix things up.Whether you like things hot and spicy or mild and mellow, there’s a Thai curry recipe for every palate.
My handyMarion’s Kitchen Meal Kitsare a great way to enjoy Thai curry in a hurry, although if you’ve got time to spare, why not try making your own paste from scratch? MyThai Panang Chicken Curryis a great place to start.Read on as I explain the difference between some of the more well-known Thai curries so you’re clued up and ready to dig in.
What’s the difference between red, green and yellow Thai curry?
You’ve seen them on menus, but which Thai curry is the hottest? And which Thai curry should you order if you’re not a spice fan? In general, Thai yellow curry is the mildest, Thai red curry is medium-hot and Thai green curry is spicy, although it can sometimes vary depending on what region of Thailand you are in. Read on for my complete guide to Thai curries… and all my tips and tricks on how to dial down the heat.
My meal kits make cooking Thaicurry and stir-fries quick and easy.
Thai red curry
Thai red curry gets its colour from the red chillies used in the paste. They can be hot, but the spice factor in this Thai curry is toned down a little by the inclusion of coconut milk. If you’re making this Thai curry from scratch at home, you can always remove the seeds from your chillies to make it less spicy, too. My Thai red curry meal kit makes things super-quick and easy, and I’ve got lots of recipe ideas to make that handy box of tricks go even further. For instance, you can go traditional withThai Red Curry Chicken… or try aThai Red Curry Fried Riceinstead.
Thai green curry
Like your Thai curries spicy? Try going green! Thai green curry is made with fresh green chillies, coriander and makrut lime to name just a few ingredients. Coconut milk rounds off the spice a little, but if you prefer a milder curry, leave out the chillies in the spice packet when using myThai Green Curry Kit. For an especially tongue-tingling version of Thai curry, tryMum’s Very Spicy Thai Green Curry!
Get set to top the spice scale withMama Noi’s green curry recipe!
Thai yellow curry
Turmeric is what gives this Thai yellow curry its signature hue – so bear that in mind if you ever make this paste from scratch because #staining! Thai yellow curry is more mellow than green or red varieties, but that doesn’t make it any less vibrant. This Thai curry is still packed with ultra fragrant herbs and ingredients. Try mySouthern Thai Yellow Crab Curryand see what I mean.
Mellow Thai yellow curry is full of fragrance and flavour.
Other Thai curries I love
Thai massaman
Massaman is a bit different to other Thai curry varieties, because it features spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. 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. Massaman is a great starter Thai curry, while some think it’s a great Thai curry for kids. It’s the perfect base for mySlow-Roasted Duck Massamanand pairs perfectly with the gamey flavour of the meat. Head to my products page to take a look at myThai Massaman Curry Paste, now available in Australia.
MySlow-Roasted Duck Massamanis dinner-party worthy!
Jungle curry
If you’re all about the heat, then this is the Thai curry for you. Itfeatures no coconut milk, so you’re getting the full impact of that beautiful and intense curry paste. Check out myThai Jungle Curry recipe, where I make it from scratch using some traditional Thai ingredients.
It’s definitely one of the hottest Thai curries out there! This is my very spicy Jungle Curry.
FAQs
If you want to have a spicy curry, red curry paste is a great option. For a mild flavor, a green curry paste would suit best. And if you prefer the taste between a light and a bit spicy savor, yellow curry paste will be an excellent choice.
Which Thai curry should I try first? ›
Most restaurants will ask how spicy you want your curry; start with mild or medium if you're new to the cuisine! Panang curry is thick, rich, and less soupy than red or green curries, since it uses a little less coconut milk and adds in coconut cream.
Is red or green Thai curry better? ›
The preference of Thai red curry or green curry depends on personal taste. Some people might prefer the spicier and bolder taste of red curry, while others might enjoy the more herbal and fragrant flavor of green curry. Both are delicious in their own ways, and it's worth trying both to see which one you like better.
How to make Thai curry taste more authentic? ›
Add in more dried spices.
While the store bought pastes may contain them, in my experience their aromas don't come through. So I've gotten in the habit of toasting a small amount of my own whole spices, pounding them into a powder in my mortar and pestle, then mixing that powder into my paste.
Which Thai curry is better? ›
Green curry is considered the most popular curry. With coconut milk as one of the main ingredients, there is a hint of sweet flavoring as well. Because the green curry paste is made with green chilis, it is far hotter than other curries.
What type of curry is best for beginners? ›
- 6) Chicken & sweet potato curry. ...
- 7) Curried cod. ...
- 9) Fish mappas. ...
- 10) Satay cauliflower & chickpea curry with storecupboard flatbreads. ...
- 11) Indian butternut squash curry. ...
- 13) Thai pork & peanut curry. ...
- 14) One-pot mushroom & potato curry. ...
- 15) Chicken biryani.
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.
Which Thai curry is the healthiest? ›
Green curry is great with chicken and shrimp because it offers a punch of seasoning to the protein. The long list of herbs also makes green curry one of the healthiest Thai cuisine dishes. You may also see green curry in Thai fusion dishes like pasta or sandwiches.
Which color Thai curry is the least spicy? ›
In general, Thai yellow curry is the mildest, Thai red curry is medium-hot and Thai green curry is spicy, although it can sometimes vary depending on what region of Thailand you are in.
What's the difference between panang and red curry? ›
Panang curry is typically milder, sweeter, and richer, due to the addition of peanuts and the lower amount of chili used in the curry paste. Red curry, on the other hand, is often spicier and more aromatic, courtesy of a larger quantity of red chilies used to create the curry paste.
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.
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.
How do you add depth to Thai curry? ›
Turmeric magic
Fresh turmeric isn't always found in green curry pastes, but it adds a rounded, peppery heat and depth to the colour of the finished dish. If fresh isn't available, add ¼ tsp ground turmeric.
What is the most delicious 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.
If you like your curry spicy, with a strong flavor and a hint of sweetness, then panang curry is the way to go. If you prefer a mildly spicy curry with sweet, savory, and sour notes, then massaman curry is a better choice. Massaman is perfect for you if you enjoy beef stews and comfort foods.
What tastes better red or green Thai curry? ›
While the dish's spiciness can vary based on the chef, typically, red curry is hotter than green. Red curry tends to be more versatile, while green is more unique in its flavors.
What Thai food is good for beginners? ›
What to eat? Here are some popular suggestions: Kway Tio (noodle soup), Pad Thai Goong (Thai fried rice noodles with prawns), Pad Kapow Neua (stir-fried basil with beef), Pad See Iew (noodles in soy sauce) and Kao Pad (fried rice with a choice of meat or seafood).
What kind of curry should I order? ›
10 Best Curries to Try
- Goan. This dish is a combination of spices and flavors that are unique to the region of Goa in India. ...
- Dhansak. Dhansak Curry is a popular Indian dish that originated in the state of Maharashtra in India. ...
- Rajma Masala. ...
- Bhuna Gosht. ...
- Kerala. ...
- Massaman. ...
- Thai Red Curry. ...
- Thai Green Curry.
Green curry is considered the most popular curry in Thai cuisine. The green color of Thai green curry sauce has become more vibrant over the years with the addition of fresh coriander (cilantro), makrut lime leaf and peel, and basil.
What is the difference between green and panang curry? ›
Panang is the basis for a richer, sweeter and drier curry. Using less coconut milk than red or green curry, Panang curry is topped with thick coconut cream and usually served on a plate.
