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red thai curry recipe - Close-up of finished red thai curry recipe

Delicious Red Thai Curry Recipe

A fragrant, restaurant-quality Red Thai Curry balancing spicy chili paste, creamy coconut milk, and fresh aromatics.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 Tablespoons Red curry paste
  • 1 Can (14oz) Coconut milk
  • 2 Cups Vegetables
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Thai basil
  • 2 Tablespoons Coconut cream
  • 1 dash Coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 splash Soy sauce or salt
  • 1 squeeze Lime juice or lime zest
  • Optional: Firm tofu or plant-based protein

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Paste – In a large pan or wok, heat two tablespoons of coconut cream until it bubbles. Add the red curry paste and stir continuously for two minutes until it becomes highly fragrant and the oil separates slightly from the paste.
  2. Step 2: Incorporate Liquid – Slowly pour in the remaining coconut milk. Stir constantly until the paste is fully dissolved and the sauce is perfectly smooth and vibrant in color.
  3. Step 3: Add Hearty Vegetables – If using tofu, bamboo shoots, or firm vegetables like carrots or potatoes, add them now to absorb the initial flavors of the red thai curry recipe base.
  4. Step 4: Simmer Gently – Bring the mixture to a light simmer. Allow the vegetables to cook until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Keep the heat low to prevent the coconut milk from splitting.
  5. Step 5: Season Accordingly – Add a dash of coconut sugar or brown sugar to balance the heat, and a splash of soy sauce or salt for depth. Adjust the red thai curry recipe seasoning slowly, tasting as you go.
  6. Step 6: Add Delicate Greens – Stir in bell peppers, snap peas, or baby bok choy during the final three minutes of cooking. This ensures they maintain a crisp, fresh bite and bright color.
  7. Step 7: Finish with Herbs – Remove from heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and a squeeze of lime juice or lime zest before serving immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.

Notes

For best results, use authentic Thai basil and fresh lemongrass. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop to maintain the silky texture of the coconut milk.

  • Author: Mike
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Thai curry, Red curry, Spicy, Vegan friendly, Coconut milk