The Best Homemade Thai Curry Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade Thai curry recipe is packed with bold flavors and simple steps, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Rich, aromatic sauce that’s creamy and full of depth, thanks to coconut milk and fresh spices.
- Quick to prepare, with most of the work done in under 30 minutes for a fuss-free meal.
- Endlessly versatile, so you can swap proteins or veggies to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Recipe

Thai curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that can be easily made at home. This recipe features a creamy coconut milk base, a blend of spices, and fresh ingredients to create an authentic taste.
Ingredient:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Thai curry paste (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
- 500g chicken, beef, tofu, or vegetables, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1-2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 1-2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup sliced bamboo shoots (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice (to serve)
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat. Add the curry paste and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in half of the coconut milk and stir well to combine with the curry paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the meat, tofu, or vegetables and stir to coat them in the curry mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until partially cooked.
- Add the remaining coconut milk, stock, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the bamboo shoots, bell pepper, and onion. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the protein is fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or sugar if needed.
- Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with fresh Thai basil leaves.
Notes:
- Adjust the amount of curry paste based on your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, use tofu and replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- Large pot or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine:
Thai
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Thai curry provides a balance of flavors and nutrients. Here are the nutritional details for one serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
When I serve homemade Thai curry, I always pair it with steamed jasmine rice because it’s fluffy and soaks up the flavors perfectly. I also like adding fresh vegetable sides, like cucumber slices or steamed green beans, for a crisp contrast. It’s a simple combo, but it makes the meal feel complete and balanced.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Since nothing complements the rich, bold flavors of Thai curry quite like it, I always make sure to have a pot of steamed jasmine rice ready to go. Its soft, fluffy texture makes it the perfect base for soaking up the curry sauce, and its subtle floral aroma adds a delicate touch to every bite. I start by rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, then steam it until it’s tender and fragrant. It’s simple to make, but it transforms the meal into something truly satisfying. Trust me, curry just isn’t the same without it.
Fresh Vegetable Sides
While steamed jasmine rice is my go-to pairing for Thai curry, I love adding fresh vegetable sides to balance the meal. A simple cucumber salad, sliced thin with a tangy lime dressing, adds a cool crunch. I also toss blanched green beans with garlic and sesame oil for a quick, flavorful bite. Steamed broccoli or bok choy keeps things light, while pickled carrots bring a zesty kick. Sometimes, I’ll even serve fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping bites of curry. These sides not only brighten the plate but also make the meal feel more complete and revitalizing.