Looking for red curry paste substitutes? You’re in luck! This blog post will provide a list of 11 substitutes that you can use in your favorite dishes. The best part is that most of these substitutes are likely already in your kitchen.
We’ll explain the differences and similarities between each substitute and provide the exact ratios when substituting. Finally, I’ll give examples of how I use these substitutes in some of your favorite recipes.
So let’s get into the list.
Best Red Curry Paste Substitutes
- Curry paste
- Green curry paste
- Chilli powder
- Chili paste
- Tomato paste with chili flakes
- Turmeric with chili paste
- Yellow curry paste
- Garlic and chili sauce
- Garlic and tomato paste
- Curry powder
Curry paste
Curry paste is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. It is made from various spices and herbs and can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, and stir-fries. Curry paste comes in many different colors, including red, green, and yellow.
While each color of curry paste has its own unique flavor, they can all be used interchangeably in recipes. For example, if a recipe calls for red curry paste, you can substitute any other color curry paste without affecting the taste of the dish.
I personally like to use black curry paste as a substitute for red curry paste. I find that the flavor is a bit more mellow and less spicy than other types of curry paste.
When substituting Black or any other Curry paste for Red Curry paste, use a 1 to 1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Red Curry paste, you will need to use 1 tablespoon of Black Curry paste as a substitute.
Green curry paste
Green curry paste is a great substitute for red curry paste. It has a similar flavor profile but is slightly milder. To use it as a substitute, simply use a 1:1 ratio. Green curry paste is made with common ingredients like green chilies, lemongrass, ginger, and garlic.
I personally love using it in dishes like Thai green curry or massaman curry. It adds a nice depth of flavor without being too overpowering. Plus, it’s always fun to experiment with different curry pastes and find new favorites.
Chilli powder
Chilli powder can be used as a substitute for red curry paste. When substituting, use a 1/4 to 1 tablespoon ratio of chili powder to red curry paste. This will help to maintain the same level of spiciness and flavor.
Chilli powder is made from ground dried chilies and is typically a blend of different spices. Therefore, when substituting chili powder for red curry paste, keep this in mind and adjust other spices in the dish accordingly.
I personally have used this substitute in a variety of dishes, including chili, enchiladas, and tacos. The taste can vary depending on the other ingredients in the dish, but overall it is a great way to add spice and flavor without using red curry paste.
Chili paste
Chili paste is a great substitute for red curry paste because it is just as spicy, if not spicier. Chili paste is also more accessible since it can be found in most grocery stores. Some common ingredients in chili paste are chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garlic.
I’ve used chili paste in a variety of dishes, including Chili Con Carne and Southwestern Beef Chili.
Chili paste has a bit of a kick to it, so if you’re looking for something that will give your dish a little extra spice, then chili paste is the way to go.
Tomato paste with chili flakes
Tomato paste with chili flakes can be used as a substitute for red curry paste. To use this substitute, simply combine chili flakes with tomato paste. This substitute can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta dishes, soups, and stews.
Tomato paste with chili flakes is a common ingredient in many Italian dishes.
It is also often used in Indian and Thai cuisine. I personally love using this substitute in my spaghetti sauce. It adds a touch of heat and flavor that really elevates the dish.
Turmeric with chili paste
While many people enjoy the distinct flavor of red curry paste, it can be difficult to find in stores. Fortunately, there are a few simple substitutes that can be used in their place. Turmeric with chili paste is one option that is widely available and relatively easy to prepare.
To create this substitute, simply mix 2 tablespoons of turmeric with 1/4 cup of chili paste. However, keep in mind that it won’t have the same color as red curry paste, so it may not be ideal for dishes that rely on visual appeal.
Yellow curry paste
Yellow curry paste is a popular substitute for red curry paste. It is made with various spices, including turmeric, cumin, and ginger.
While it does not have the same bright color as red curry paste, it does have a similar flavor profile. Yellow curry paste is often used in Thai curries and soups.
It can also be used as a marinade for chicken or fish. When substituting yellow curry paste for red curry paste, it is important to start with less than you would use of the red curry paste. This is because the yellow curry paste is more potent.
For some recipes, you can also use the same ratio. You can find yellow curry paste in most grocery stores in the international aisle. You can also order it online.
Garlic and chili sauce
Garlic and chili sauce is a great combination to use as a substitute for red curry paste. The ratio is 1/2 to 1, so if you’re looking to replace 2 tablespoons of paste, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of garlic and chili sauce.
This substitution works well in dishes that don’t require a long cooking time, such as stir-fries or pasta dishes. I’ve used this combination before in a shrimp pasta dish and it tasted great!
The common ingredients between the substitutes are garlic and chili pepper, which both add a lot of flavor to dishes. So if you’re looking for a similar taste to red curry paste, using garlic and chili sauce is a great option.
Garlic and tomato paste
Garlic and chili sauce is a great combination to use as a substitute for red curry paste. The ratio is 1/2 to 1, so if you’re looking to replace 2 tablespoons of paste, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of garlic and chili sauce.
Both of these substitutes will add a similar level of spice and flavor to your dish. I personally like to use a combination of garlic and chili sauce when I’m making stir-fries or curries. The taste is very similar to dishes that are made with red curry paste.
Curry powder
Curry powder is a common substitute for red curry paste. Curry powder is a mixture of spices, typically including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili peppers.
To use curry powder as a substitute for red curry paste, simply add it to the dish in the same amount you would use. Further, you can use curry powder in dishes, including curries, stews, and soups.
It is important to note that curry powder is not as spicy as red curry paste, so you may need to use more spices to achieve the same flavor. Additionally, Curry powder does not contain any other liquids, so you must add these separately.
Non-spicy substitute for red curry paste
Some of the best non-spicy substitutes for red curry paste are yellow curry paste or a mixture with tomato and chili flakes so you can control the spiciness. These ingredients will all add flavor to your dish without the spice.
Green curry paste substitute
Green curry paste can be used as a substitute for red curry paste. Green curry paste is made with green chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass.
It has a similar flavor profile to red curry paste but is not as spicy. When substituting green curry paste for red curry paste, it is important to start with less than you would use of the red curry paste. This is because the green curry paste is more potent.
Substitute sriracha for red curry paste
Sriracha is a chili sauce made with red chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar. It is a great substitute for red curry paste when looking for a less spicy option.
The ratio for substituting sriracha for red curry paste is 1:1. However, keep in mind that the sriracha isn’t curry paste. So you’ll still need to add other ingredients like Tumeric, cumin, and coriander to get that flavor.
Can I substitute harissa for red curry paste?
Yes, you can substitute harissa for red curry paste. However, Harrisa is a lot more acidic due to the addition of vinegar.
When using harissa as a substitute, I would start with half of the amount you would use for red curry paste. The ratio will depend on how spicy you want your dish to be.
Conclusion
These are all great substitutes for red curry paste. When substituting, it is important to keep in mind the flavor profile you’re looking for in your dish. Some substitutes will be more or less spicy than others, so you’ll need to adjust the amount used accordingly.