I was out of yellow curry paste and needed to make a dish for a potluck party I was hosting that night. I had never made a dish with yellow curry paste before, so I was a little worried.
But then I remembered that I had a jar of yellow curry paste substitute in my pantry. I quickly whipped up a dish using the yellow curry paste substitute and it was a huge hit! Everyone at the party loved it and asked for the recipe.
Yellow curry paste is a common ingredient in Thai cuisine. It gives dishes that yellow curry flavor and aroma. But what do you do when you’re out of yellow curry paste or simply don’t have the time to make it?
Well, you can easily substitute yellow curry paste with one of these 7 alternatives listed below.
We’ll also share two recipe guides for two popular curry dishes.
Substitutes for Yellow Curry Paste:
- Massaman Curry Paste
- Thai Red Curry Paste
- Thai Green Curry Paste
- Curry Powder
- Panang Curry Paste
- Laksa
- Homemade Thai Yellow Paste
Massaman Curry Paste
This is a great yellow curry paste substitute because it has a similar flavor profile. You can use it in any dish that calls for yellow curry paste.
Massaman curry paste is made with a variety of different spices, including cardamom, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg. These spices give it a richer flavor than yellow curry paste
Another main difference is that massaman curry paste is usually made with beef, whereas yellow curry paste is made with chicken or fish.
If you want your curry to be more colorful, you can add some turmeric to the massaman curry paste. To substitute, use equal parts massaman curry paste and yellow curry paste.
Thai Red Curry Paste
This is another great yellow curry paste substitute. Thai red curry paste works as a substitute because it has a similar flavor profile to yellow curry paste. However, it packs a little more heat.
The main difference between these two pastes is the addition of dried chili peppers in Thai red curry paste. This gives it its characteristic red color and fiery flavor.
It is made from a blend of fresh chili peppers, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, galangal, and turmeric. Thai red curry paste can be used in any recipe that calls for yellow curry paste at a 1-to-1 ratio.
This paste is very versatile and can be used to make curries, soups, and stir-fries. Thai red curry paste is a great way to add flavor and heat to your dish.
Thai Green Curry Paste
Thai green curry paste is a little different than yellow and red curry pastes. It is made with fresh herbs, such as cilantro and Thai basil.
This curry paste is a great alternative because it has a similar flavor profile to yellow curry paste. However, Thai green curry paste is made with fresh herbs, which gives it a more tangy flavor than yellow or red curry paste.
It is also made with green chili peppers, which give it its characteristic green color. Thai green curry paste can be used in any recipe that calls for yellow curry paste at a ratio of 1-to-1.
To substitute, use equal parts Thai green curry paste and yellow curry paste. This paste is very versatile and can be used to make curries, soups, and stir-fries. Thai green curry paste is a great way to add flavor and heat to your dish.
Curry Powder
Curry powder is a great alternative to yellow curry paste. It can be used in any recipe that calls for curry paste, and it works just as well. Curry powder is made from a variety of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and chili pepper.
This combination of spices gives curry powder a rich flavor that is perfect for adding depth and dimension to curries, stews, and stir-fries. It is also a great way to add color to dishes. The vivid yellow hue of Curry powder can brighten up any meal.
When substituting Curry powder for Curry paste, use a 1-to-1 ratio. This will ensure that your dish has the same flavor and texture as it would if you had used Curry paste.
Note that curry powder and curry paste are not the same things. Curry powder is a dry spice blend, whereas curry paste is a wet, pasty mixture.
Panang Curry Paste
This is another great alternative to yellow curry paste. Panang curry paste is a Thai curry paste that is made with a combination of red chili peppers, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, and shrimp paste.
It has a richer flavor than yellow curry paste and is often used in dishes such as chicken Panang curry or beef Panang curry. Additionally, it is a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.
It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help boost immunity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Note that Panang curry often contains peanuts, which give it a creamy and nutty flavor.
When substituting use a 1-to-1 ratio. If you are allergic to shrimp, this is not the best alternative for you.
Laksa
This is a yellow curry paste substitute that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Laksa is made with a variety of different spices, including turmeric, chili pepper, and lemongrass.
Laksa has a 1-to-1 ratio of spices to produce a paste that is just as flavorful. It is a great way to add flavor to your food and it will not change the color of your dish.
Additionally, laksa is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is high in iron, potassium, and magnesium. And it is also a good source of fiber and protein.
Homemade Thai Yellow Paste
This is a great alternative to yellow curry paste. The important thing is to get ingredient ratios right.
You can make a yellow paste at home by mixing different spices. The most common spices used in yellow curry paste are turmeric, cumin, coriander, and yellow mustard seeds.
To make the paste, start by toasting the spices in a pan until they are fragrant. Then add them to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add water if needed to help create a smooth paste.
Once the paste is smooth, add it to a pan and cook over low heat until it thickens. This should take about 15 minutes. Once the paste has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Store the yellow curry paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Recipes for:
Yellow Thai Chicken:
Ingredients:
- – ½ cup yellow curry paste
- – ¼ cup coconut milk
- – ½ chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- – ½ onion, chopped
- – ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- – ¼ teaspoon of salt
- – ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
In a pan, heat the yellow curry paste over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for five minutes. Add the coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional five minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice or noodles.
Beef Panang Curry
Ingredients:
- – 1 pound of beef, cut into small cubes
- – ¼ cup yellow curry paste
- – 1 onion, chopped
- – 2 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- – 1 teaspoon sugar
- – ½ cup coconut milk
- – ¼ cup chicken stock
- – 2 tablespoons Panang curry paste
Instructions:
Heat the yellow curry paste in a pan, over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Cook for five minutes. Add the coconut milk, chicken stock, and Panang curry paste. Cook for an additional five minutes or until the beef is cooked through. Serve over rice or noodles.
FAQ
What is yellow curry powder?
Yellow Curry powder is a blend of spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and yellow mustard seeds. It is used to create a yellow curry paste that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Are yellow curry powder and yellow curry paste the same?
No, yellow curry powder is a blend of spices that is used to make yellow curry paste. Curry paste is a thicker, more concentrated form of the spice blend.
Is yellow curry healthy?
Yes, yellow curry is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is high in iron, potassium, and magnesium. It is also a good source of fiber and protein.
Can I substitute red curry paste for yellow curry paste?
The two pastes have similar flavors and can be used interchangeably in recipes. However, keep in mind that red curry paste is typically spicier than yellow curry paste. If you are sensitive to spice, you may want to start with a smaller amount and add more to the taste.
What is the best yellow curry paste?
The best yellow curry paste is the one that suits your taste buds and preferences. You may like a yellow curry paste that is spicier or one that is milder. It all depends on your personal preference.
What can you use instead of yellow curry paste?
There are a few substitutes for yellow curry paste, including red curry paste, Panang curry paste, laksa, and homemade Thai yellow curry paste. Each of these substitutes has a unique flavor that can be used to enhance your dish.
What can I use yellow curry paste for?
Yellow curry paste can be used in a variety of dishes, such as curries, stews, stir-fries, and soups. It is also a great way to add flavor and color to rice dishes.
What is a popular dish that uses yellow curry paste?
One of the most popular dishes that use yellow curry paste is Thai yellow chicken curry. This dish is made with chicken, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables.
How long does yellow curry paste last?
Yellow curry paste will last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. After that, it will start to lose its flavor.
What can I use instead of curry paste?
You can use yellow Curry powder as a replacement for yellow Curry paste. The two have similar flavors and can be used interchangeably in recipes. When substituting, use a
Can I make yellow curry paste at home?
Yes, you can make yellow curry paste at home. To make the paste, start by toasting the spices in a pan until they are fragrant. Then add them to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add water if needed to help create a smooth paste. Once the paste is smooth, add it to a pan and cook over low heat until it thickens. This should take about 15 minutes. Once the paste has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Store the yellow curry paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Conclusion:
So, a quick recap, the best yellow curry paste substitutes are red curry paste, Panang curry paste, laksa, and homemade Thai yellow curry paste. If you want to make your yellow curry paste, it’s quite easy to do at home.
Just toast the spices in a pan until fragrant and then add them to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and then cook over low heat until thickened.
And that’s it! Your yellow curry paste is ready to use in all your favorite dishes.