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.
What is the best Thai curry to try first? ›
If you have never tasted Thai curry before, the yellow curry is definitely the best dish to start with the bright yellow color is from the turmeric spices and yellow mustard seeds. The yellow curry isn't always the same everywhere. But, you can always guarantee to enjoy a creamy taste created from the coconut milk.
What tastes better red or green Thai curry? ›
Both of these curries aren't nearly as sweet as Masamun, Panang, or Yellow curry. Every single one of the Thai people that I work with prefers the green or red curry over the sweeter curries. Most prefer the green over the red although there were a couple of dissenters.
Which color Thai curry is the hottest? ›
Green Thai Curry is considered the hottest of all curries that will give you that burning but tasty flavor all over your mouth. For those who think that red curry is the spiciest among the Thai curries, it's about time to change this mindset.
Which 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 is the most popular Thai curry flavor? ›
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 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.
Which Thai curry is the sweetest? ›
Massaman curry: Masaman curry is one of the sweetest styles of curry. It's a Thai style, but is also influenced by many varieties of Indian curry. Rather than spices, most of masaman curry's flavor comes from cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, according to Traveling 9 to 5.
What is the difference between panang and yellow curry? ›
For example: yellow curry paste contains curry powder and turmeric, panang curry paste has cumin seeds and coriander seeds, massaman curry paste has a whole truckload of dry spices, and green curry paste uses fresh green chiles.
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.
Panang Curry tastes like a more intense version of Thai Red Curry. While it has similar ingredients, Panang curry is a bit stronger, richer, sweeter and thicker than Red Curry, as well as slightly nutty thanks to the addition of ground peanuts in the paste. The curry paste is a quick 30 second stick blender blitz!
Is Thai curry healthy? ›
Thai curries are usually made with a hefty dose of coconut milk, and that won't do your diet any favors. One cup of the creamy milk packs in 400 calories. It also has 36 grams of saturated fat -- more than three times the recommended daily amount. For a healthier dish, order the grilled or barbecued curry chicken.
Is Panang curry hotter than green curry? ›
However, Thai green curry is slightly hotter than a panang but milder than a red or yellow.
What type of curry is best for beginners? ›
Kang Keaw Wan Kai (sweet green curry with chicken) is a great starting point for beginners. Red curry is usually made from dried red chiles, along with spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric. It's very versatile and can include a wide range of proteins and vegetables.
What is the best curry to try first time? ›
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.
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).
Which curry is best in Thai? ›
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.
