The color is achieved by adding red chili peppers, chili flakes, chili powder, as well as tomato paste, and fresh tomatoes. This spice mixture usually includes turmeric, a bit of paprika and chili flakes, ground coriander, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. The liquids added to the sauce to create the desired texture and add to the flavor are coconut milk and a bit of lime juice.
If you make a large batch or just can’t finish it in one sitting, you can definitely store your leftovers. We highly recommend storing any left over rice separately from the curry if you can. If simple, vibrant, and exceptionally enticing recipes are your thing, then you’ve certainly come to the right place!
Once you’ve mastered the foundational Thai curry recipe simple, you can start experimenting with different variations. Cooking on a wok requires you to be quick with your hands, and we want to make the process easier for you with our wok-ready sauces. We have options such as green and red chilli basil, or if you want something unique, you can opt for pineapple chilli. Add these sauces to your noodles or fried rice for a quick, spicy meal. Salad and dressing oil – We have a range of delicious sauces to spice up (literally) your healthy salad. Choose from a variety of sesame oil, chilli oil, and peanut or green salad dressings.

Fresh spring rolls with herbs and vegetables add lightness and texture, while fried spring rolls bring a satisfying crunch. A Thai-style cucumber salad dressed with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili flakes is another excellent companion, cooling the palate between bites. One of the best things about Panang Curry is how well it holds up as leftovers. Unlike many dishes that lose their magic after sitting in the fridge, Panang Curry becomes even better with time. The flavors of the curry paste, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and basil deepen as they mingle together.
Coconut milk is very high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels in the blood. Excessive amounts of saturated fats can lead to obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, etc. If you’re struggling with digestion-related issues like constipation or bloating, incorporating panang curry into your diet might just be what you need. This dish contains various spices that can promote better digestive health.

When you serve a creamy coconut-based curry at home, think of it not only as the centerpiece but also as part of a full meal experience. Chicken breasts, in particular, can become dry if cooked too long. Since Panang Curry simmers in coconut milk, you want to cook the meat just until it is no longer pink. If you are making Panang Curry beef, slice the beef thinly and simmer only until tender. For shrimp Panang Curry, add the shrimp toward the end of cooking because shrimp cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if left in the sauce too long. If you make Panang Curry with beef, you add iron and zinc to your meal.
You can also combine the ingredients in a pan once you’ve sauteed garlic and onion – it is up to you. As for the chicken, you can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. Compared to Panang curry, red curry is definitely less sweet and nutty. It does include elements that give it a warm, tangy aroma characteristic for the majority of Thai curries, though. When it comes to Thai cuisine, you will come across dozens of different curry types, variations, and twists – both modern and traditional.
This might seem like a small step, but it’s incredibly important. It helps to release the aromatic oils from the dried spices and herbs within the paste, deepening its flavor and eliminating any raw or bitter notes. It’s a technique that elevates a quick curry from good to genuinely great. For those who want to enjoy authentic Thai food without the hassle of cooking, our heat-and-serve range is just for you. Simply heat them and serve; they’re a convenient and delicious option for those who don’t have time to cook meals from scratch. However, not best nutrition tracker apps everyone can access the fresh Thai ingredients needed to make traditional Thai recipes at home.
The shrimp variation, on the other hand, is lighter and cooks much faster, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners. Each version carries its own unique appeal, and many people enjoy alternating between them depending on their mood and available ingredients. When adding vegetables to your Thai curry recipe simple, consider their cooking times.
The full instructions, ingredients, and measurements will be in the printable recipe card below. Other veggie options – Bamboo shoots, green pepper, yellow pepper, or spinach would all work well in this panang curry. Most Asian grocery stores sell Mae Ploy, Aroy-D, and Maesri. I have used, and like, all three brands but they do vary greatly in spice level and saltiness, so choose accordingly. Mae Ploy is the saltiest of the three so do not add any extra salt if using this brand.
Another key difference between Panang Curry and other Thai curries is its use of peanuts or cashews, which add a unique texture and flavor to the dish. Panang Curry is also often served with a sprinkle of toasted peanuts or cashews on top, which adds a crunchy element to the curry. Overall, Panang Curry’s distinct texture and flavor profile set it apart from other Thai curries and make it a popular choice among curry enthusiasts. Panang curry is a dish that’s steeped in history and culture, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of Southeast Asian cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie, a historian, or simply someone who loves to cook, Panang curry is a dish that’s sure to delight and inspire.
Each version highlights the flexibility of this dish while keeping the heart of Panang Curry intact. By the time you finish reading, you will be ready to cook an authentic Panang Curry at home and understand why it has captured the hearts of so many food lovers worldwide. Panang curry (also spelled phanaeng or phanang) is a Thai curry similar to red curry, but it’s thicker, richer, and made with peanuts. It’s salty-sweet and the cumin and coriander seeds are more prominent in flavor. The traditional way to make the curry paste is to use a mortar and pestle. So instead, I used an electric blender with added water to facilitate blending.