Green curry paste is a delicious, aromatic paste that is used in Thai cuisine. It’s made with green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste, and kaffir lime leaves.
However, what happens if you can’t find green curry paste or don’t have the time to make it? No need to worry! In this article, we will discuss 6 substitutes for green curry paste that are easy to find and taste great.
Plus if this is your first time cooking with green curry paste or a substitute, we share some popular green curry paste recipes you can try.
Let’s get started!
Substitute for Green Curry Paste:
- Curry powder
- Massaman Paste
- Yellow curry paste
- Red curry paste
- Panang Curry
- Homemade green curry paste
Curry powder
Curry powder is a great alternative to green curry paste. It can be used in any recipe that calls for green curry paste, and it works just as well. The only difference is that Curry powder is a dry spice, while green curry paste is a wet paste.
However, they both have the same flavor profile and can be used interchangeably. Curry powder is also a bit milder than green curry paste, so it may be a better option for those who are sensitive to spice.
Overall, Curry powder is a great 1-to-1 substitute for green curry paste and can be used in any recipe.
Massaman Paste
Massaman curry paste is a popular Thai curry paste. It’s made with a similar blend of spices, including green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste, and kaffir lime leaves.
It is another great alternative to green curry paste. The only difference is that Massaman curry Paste also contains peanuts and cinnamon. This gives it a slightly sweeter flavor than green curry paste.
If you’re looking for a green curry paste substitute that is similar in flavor but with a little bit of a twist, then Massaman curry paste is a great option.
Yellow Curry Paste
Yellow Curry Paste is another great green curry paste substitute. It’s made with the same ingredients as green curry paste, but the green chilies are replaced with yellow ones.
This gives Yellow Curry Paste a sweeter flavor than green curry paste. It’s also a bit milder, so it may not be ideal in recipes where some level of heat is needed.
To substitute yellow curry paste for green curry paste, use a 1-to-1 ratio. Additionally, yellow curry paste will color your food. It will give your dish a slightly different hue but the flavor will be similar.
Red Curry Paste
Red Curry Paste is another great green curry paste substitute. It’s made from red chilies, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and other spices.
Red curry paste is also a bit spicier than green curry paste. If you’re searching for a green curry paste replacement with a bit more heat, red curry paste is an excellent choice.
To substitute red curry paste for green curry paste in any recipe, use an equal amount. Red curry paste is a great way to add flavor and depth to any recipe.
Panang curry paste
Panang curry is a type of Thai curry that is made with red curry paste, coconut milk, and peanuts. It’s similar to green curry in flavor but has a bit more sweetness from the addition of coconut milk and peanuts.
As a professional chef, I’m always looking for ways to change up my recipes and mix things up a bit. That’s why I was intrigued when I came across Panang curry paste as a substitute for green curry paste. I was curious to see if it would work in any recipe, so I decided to give it a try.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that Panang curry paste is a great alternative to green curry paste. It works in any recipe, and you can use it at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Although it has a slightly different flavor than green curry paste, it is still very delicious. And because Panang curry paste is made with red chili peppers, it has a bit more heat than green curry paste.
However, please note that if you are allergic to peanuts, then Panang curry paste and Massaman paste are not good substitutes for you.
Homemade green curry paste
If you have the time, homemade green curry paste is always the best option. It’s fresher and has a more complex flavor than store-bought green curry pastes.
To make green curry paste at home, you’ll need green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, cilantro roots, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, salt, kaffir lime leaves, and cumin seeds.
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you want to make a large batch, you can store the green curry paste in the freezer for up to six months.
When it comes to green curry paste substitutes, there are a few options that come close in flavor and texture. But, in my opinion, nothing can quite compare to the real thing. That’s why I always recommend using homemade green curry paste whenever possible.
Popular Green Curry Paste Recipes:
Green curry shrimp with mango: This recipe is a delicious and easy way to use green curry paste. Simply combine green curry paste, shrimp, mango, and coconut milk in a skillet. Cook until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Green Curry Chicken: This is a classic green curry recipe that can be made with chicken, green beans, and bell peppers. Simply cook the chicken and vegetables in green curry paste and coconut milk until they are cooked through. Serve over rice or noodles for a delicious and easy meal.
Thai green curry beef: This recipe is a bit more complicated but it’s worth the effort. It’s made with green curry paste, beef, potatoes, carrots, and green beans. The beef is first cooked in a mixture of green curry paste and coconut milk. Once it’s cooked through, the vegetables are added and cooked until tender. Serve over rice or noodles for a delicious and hearty meal.
Slow cooker green Thai turkey meatballs curry recipe: This is a great recipe for those days when you don’t have time to cook. Simply combine green curry paste, ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, and green onions in a bowl. Mix everything and form them into meatballs. Place the meatballs in a slow cooker with green beans, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Cook on low for six hours. Serve over rice or noodles for a delicious and easy meal.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to use green curry paste. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something a bit more complicated, green curry paste is a great option.
FAQ
What is green curry paste made of?
Green curry paste is made of green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, cilantro roots, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, salt, kaffir lime leaves, and cumin seeds.
Is green curry paste vegan?
Yes, green curry paste is vegan.
What are some good substitutes for green curry paste?
Some good substitutes for green curry paste include yellow curry paste, red curry paste, and Panang curry paste.
Is green curry paste spicy?
Green curry paste can be mild or spicy depending on the number of green chilies used to make it. Generally, green curry paste is milder than red curry paste.
Can I substitute curry paste for curry powder?
No, curry paste and curry powder are not interchangeable. Curry powder is a blend of spices that is used to flavor dishes. Curry paste is a thick mixture of spices, herbs, and other ingredients that are used as a base for curries.
How do I make green curry paste at home?
To make green curry paste at home, you’ll need green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, cilantro roots, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, salt, kaffir lime leaves, and cumin seeds. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you want to make a large batch, you can store the green curry paste in the freezer for up to six months.
Is green curry paste and Thai curry paste?
Yes, green curry paste is a type of Thai curry paste. Thai curry pastes can be made with a variety of different ingredients and can be green, red, yellow, or Panang.
Conclusion:
These are 6 of the best green curry paste substitutes that we’ve found. There is something for every taste bud and dietary need. And, with so many substitutes available, it’s easy to find one that works for you whenever you have run out of green curry paste.
We hope you find the perfect green curry paste substitute for your next meal! If you have a favorite green curry paste substitute that we didn’t mention, let us know in the comments below!