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Thai Yellow Curry

By Grandma Millie

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A bowl of Thai yellow curry with chicken and vegetables, garnished with cilantro and lime.

Thai yellow curry brings the warmth of sunlit markets to your kitchen with a golden blend of spices in creamy coconut milk. Turmeric, ginger, and garlic infuse tender chicken or tofu with gentle, earthy sweetness, while carrots and potatoes soak up the rich, comforting sauce. A splash of soy and a squeeze of lime brighten each bite, keeping the flavors lively and balanced. Easy to make and deeply cozy, this curry turns weeknights into something special and leaves the kitchen smelling irresistible long after the last spoonful.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 400

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Thai Yellow Curry

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 400

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp yellow curry paste (adds authentic flavor)
  • 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk (for creaminess)
  • 500 g chicken thighs (sliced, tender protein)
  • 2 pieces potatoes (peeled and cubed, adds heartiness)
  • 1 piece onion (sliced, for sweetness)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced, aromatic)
  • 1 inch ginger (grated, for warmth)
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (enhances umami)
  • 1 tsp sugar (balances flavors)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
  • to taste lime wedges (for serving)

Equipment

  • 1 Pan — For cooking the curry

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Add garlic, ginger, and yellow curry paste. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Pour in half the coconut milk, stir, and bring to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Add chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Add potatoes and onion. Pour in the remaining coconut milk.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.

  7. 7

    Step 7: Season with fish sauce and sugar, stirring to combine.

  8. 8

    Step 8: Serve garnished with cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories400
Fat25g
Protein30g
Carbs20g

Why You’ll Love This thai yellow curry

  • It’s a creamy delight that warms your soul.
  • Packed with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.
  • Quick and easy to whip up for any weeknight dinner.
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Thai yellow curry at home!

Ingredients for Thai yellow curry displayed on a kitchen table, including curry paste, coconut milk, chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
  • 2 tbsp yellow curry paste – adds authentic flavor
  • 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk – for creaminess
  • 500 g chicken thighs – sliced, tender protein
  • 2 potatoes – peeled and cubed, adds heartiness
  • 1 onion – sliced, for sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic – minced, aromatic
  • 1-inch piece ginger – grated, for warmth
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce – enhances umami
  • 1 tsp sugar – balances flavors
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil – for cooking
  • fresh cilantro leaves – for garnish
  • lime wedges – for serving

How to Make Thai Yellow Curry

This delightful Thai yellow curry is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to whip up. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

A step-by-step visual guide to making Thai yellow curry, showcasing the cooking process from heating oil to serving the finished dish.

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add garlic, ginger, and yellow curry paste. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Coconut Milk

Pour in half the coconut milk, stir, and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Add chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add potatoes and onion. Pour in the remaining coconut milk.

Step 6: Simmer

Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 7: Season

Season with fish sauce and sugar, stirring to combine.

Step 8: Serve

Serve garnished with cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineThai
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
DietaryContains chicken
Serves4
Best ServedWith fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Pro Tips for Making thai yellow curry

  • Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less curry paste.
  • Let the curry simmer longer for deeper flavor.
  • Serve with jasmine rice for the perfect pairing.
  • Add a splash of coconut milk at the end for extra creaminess.

How to Serve this thai yellow curry

  • Serve over fluffy jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
  • Pair with warm naan or roti for a delightful twist.
  • Add a side of fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
  • Top with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra zing.
  • Enjoy with crispy spring rolls for a fun appetizer combo.
  • Serve alongside a light coconut soup for a complete meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your Thai yellow curry later is easy and convenient:

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow the curry to cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

  • Cool the curry completely before freezing.
  • Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • Leave some space for expansion when sealing.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

  • Thaw frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess if needed.
  • Ensure it’s heated through before serving.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe for this delightful Thai yellow curry, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Remember, it’s all about the joy of creating something delicious. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What goes in a Thai yellow curry?
A traditional Thai yellow curry typically includes a variety of ingredients such as coconut milk, yellow curry paste, vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and a protein source like chicken, tofu, or shrimp. You can also add herbs like cilantro and lime for extra flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy and aromatic dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Is Thai yellow curry very hot?
Thai yellow curry is generally milder compared to other Thai curries, such as red or green curry. The heat level can vary depending on the amount of curry paste used and the specific brand. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of curry paste or add more coconut milk to balance the heat. It’s all about finding the right balance for your taste buds!
What is the difference between red and yellow Thai curry?
The main difference between red and yellow Thai curry lies in the ingredients used in the curry paste. Yellow curry paste typically contains turmeric, which gives it a distinct yellow color and a slightly sweet flavor, while red curry paste is made with red chilies, resulting in a spicier and more robust flavor. Additionally, yellow curry often has a creamier texture due to the use of coconut milk, making it a comforting choice for many.
Is yellow curry hotter than green?
Generally, green curry is considered to be hotter than yellow curry. Green curry paste is made from fresh green chilies, which pack a spicier punch compared to the milder ingredients in yellow curry paste. However, the heat level can vary based on the specific recipe and the amount of curry paste used, so it’s always a good idea to taste as you go and adjust according to your preference!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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