• Home
  • All Recipes
  • Cuisines
    • Chinese
    • Japanese
    • French
    • Korean
    • Mexican
    • Indian
    • Italian
    • All Cuisines
  • Occasions
    • Party Appetizer
    • Game Day
    • Halloween
    • Weeknight Dinner
    • Diwali
    • Thanksgiving
    • All Occasions
  • Main Course
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert
  • Salad
  • Side Dish
  • Health Benefits
Logo
Logo
Side Dish Sauce

Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce

Mei Chen
September 5, 2024
4 Mins read
Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce_done
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Discovering a New Favorite

My Favorite is Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce abd I remember the first time I tasted Red Thai Curry Sauce. I was at a small Thai restaurant with friends, and the bold flavors completely amazed me. The creamy coconut milk mixed with the slight heat of the red curry paste was unforgettable. I knew I had to learn how to make it at home. After a few tries, I came up with a recipe that’s not only delicious but also super easy to prepare. Now, this Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce has become a staple in my kitchen, and I use it on everything from rice to noodles.

Making It My Own

What I love about this sauce is how versatile it is. The base is simple—coconut milk and peanut butter—but the addition of red curry paste, lime juice, and fish sauce gives it that authentic Thai flavor. Sometimes I switch out the fish sauce for soy sauce to make it vegan, and it’s just as good! It’s a dish that I can whip up quickly, whether it’s for a weekday dinner or a last-minute meal prep. Plus, adding some crushed peanuts on top gives it a nice crunch that I just can’t resist.

Perfect for Any Dish

The best part about this Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce is how well it pairs with almost anything. I’ve drizzled it over roasted vegetables, used it as a marinade for chicken, and even stirred it into soups. On lazy nights, I simply pour it over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice and veggies, and it feels like a gourmet meal. Every bite is a burst of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that makes the dish feel so comforting yet exciting.

Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce_raw
Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce 3

Endless Possibilities

What’s exciting is how you can adjust the sauce to your taste. If I want a richer flavor, I use full-fat coconut milk, or when I’m in the mood for more heat, I throw in some red pepper flakes. It’s a recipe that can be personalized in so many ways. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or just yourself, this Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce will elevate your meal in no time!

Table of Contents

  • Discovering a New Favorite
  • Making It My Own
  • Perfect for Any Dish
  • Endless Possibilities
  • Chef’s Notes-Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce
  • FAQ-Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce
    • Can I make this sauce in advance?
    • Can I freeze this sauce?
    • Can I use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk?
    • What can I substitute for fish sauce to make this vegan?
    • Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Chef’s Notes-Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce

  • Keep a close eye on the sauce as it simmers to control the thickness. If it reduces too much, gradually add water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Whisking frequently helps prevent the sauce from separating.
  • Red Thai curry sauce should have a balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Taste as you go, especially after adding fish sauce and lime juice, adjusting with more sugar or lime if needed.
  • Opt for creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. If using natural peanut butter (which can be oilier), whisk it in well to ensure it fully incorporates.
  • Mince the garlic and chop the peanuts ahead of time. Since the sauce simmers quickly, having everything ready will make the process smoother.
  • Swap fish sauce for soy sauce or tamari. Adding a bit more lime juice or a touch of soy sauce can compensate for any missing depth from the fish sauce.
Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce

Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce

0.0 from 0 votes

This Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce is a game-changer! It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for drizzling over rice, noodles, veggies, or using as a base for soups and marinades. With a rich blend of coconut milk, peanut butter, and red curry paste, this sauce is bursting with flavor. Get ready to elevate your meals with this simple yet addictive sauce!

Course: Main Course, Sauce, Side DishCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy
Print
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

250

kcal
Total time

35

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) light coconut milk

  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste

  • 1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic

  • ⅓ cup finely chopped peanuts

  • Up to ½ cup water or vegetable broth

  • Extra chopped peanuts and sliced scallions for garnish

Directions

  • Simmer Coconut Milk – Pour the light coconut milk into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over high heat.Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce_post1
  • Combine Ingredients – Once simmering, add the peanut butter, red curry paste, fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until smooth.Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce_post3
  • Add Peanuts – Stir in the chopped peanuts and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce further.Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce_post2
  • Garnish and Serve – Top with extra chopped peanuts and sliced scallions before serving.Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce_post4

Equipment

  • chef’s knife
  • cutting board
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 250kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Potassium: 300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Vitamin A: 2IU
  • Vitamin C: 10mg
  • Calcium: 4mg
  • Iron: 8mg

FAQ-Easy Red Thai Curry Sauce

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, and add a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Absolutely! Let the sauce cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, whisking to recombine if needed.

Can I use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk?

Yes, full-fat coconut milk will make the sauce creamier and richer. Keep in mind that it will also increase the calorie content.

What can I substitute for fish sauce to make this vegan?

Soy sauce or tamari is a great alternative for fish sauce. For extra umami, you can also add a small amount of miso paste.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Certainly! You can reduce or increase the brown sugar based on your taste preferences. For a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
brown sugar chef's knife coconut milk crushed peanuts cutting board dairy free easy easy recipe fish sauce garlic gluten free light coconut milk lime juice low sodium main course marinades measuring cups and spoon minced garlic noodles peanut butter red curry paste red thai curry sauce rice saucepan scallions side dish soups thai cuisine vegan (with substitutions) vegetables vegetarian (with substitutions) versatile water or broth whisk
Shares
Mei Chen
Written by

Mei Chen

Hi, I'm Mei Chen! As a nutritionist with roots in Sichuan and a new home in San Francisco, I'm thrilled to share my love for simple, wholesome cooking. Let’s make healthy eating both delightful and straightforward!
Write Comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Previous Post

Classic Tomato Basil Sauce

Next Post

Easy Homemade Spicy Harissa Paste

Mei Chen

Mei Chen

NUTRITIONIST MEI

Hi, I'm Mei Chen! As a nutritionist with roots in Sichuan and a new home in San Francisco, I'm thrilled to share my love for simple, wholesome cooking. Let’s make healthy eating both delightful and straightforward!

December 19, 2025

Dietitian Explains: Why a “Reset” Works Better Than a Detox After Christmas

Reset
December 18, 2025

The One Habit That Helps Your Body Recover After Holiday Eating

One Habit
December 17, 2025

5 Gentle Foods to Eat After Christmas Feasting

Gentle Foods
Recipe by Keys
Spicy Black Bean and Corn Tacos
Gluten Free
Spicy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites_ done
Vegan
Vegan Keto Mac and Cheese_ done
High Protein
Cheesy Cauliflower Grits with Roasted Mushrooms and Walnuts_done
Comfort Food
Tags
affordable american cuisine baking sheet black pepper chef's knife comfort food customizable cutting board dairy free dessert easy easy recipe easy vegan recipe food processor garlic garlic cloves gluten free healthy healthy eating high protein kid friendly lemon juice low fat low sodium main course maple syrup meal prep meal prepping measuring cups and spoons medium difficulty mixing bowls nonstick pan olive oil plant-based salt sea salt side dish snack vanilla extract vegan vegan & vegetarian vegan comfort food Vegetarian weekday meals weeknight dinner
You might also like
Vibrant Couscous Veggie Salad_ done
Salad Side Dish

Vibrant Couscous Veggie Salad

4 Mins read
September 27, 2024

Vibrant Couscous Veggie Salad I remember the first time I made the Vibrant Couscous Veggie Salad, it was a bright summer afternoon. The idea of creating something fresh, colorful, and full of flavor was on my mind, and this salad seemed perfect. Roasting vegetables like red bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant always makes the kitchen …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Vibrant Asian Noodle Salad
Main Course

Vibrant Asian Noodle Salad

3 Mins read
July 3, 2024

Vibrant Asian Noodle Salad with Spicy Nutty Dressing The Vibrant Asian Noodle Salad came to life during a spontaneous weekend adventure in the local farmers’ market. My partner and I love spending our Saturdays wandering through the stalls, picking up fresh, colorful produce and chatting with the vendors. One particularly sunny day, we stumbled upon …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Zesty Chickpea Salad
Blog Courses Salad Side Dish

Zesty Chickpea Salad

4 Mins read
August 18, 2025

This Zesty Chickpea Salad is my official declaration of war on the sad desk lunch. You know the one I’m talking about—the uninspired leftovers, the soggy sandwich, the boring salad that leaves you feeling hungry and unsatisfied by 3 PM. For years, that was my reality, and I had just accepted it as a fact of busy …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Berry Banana Blend
Courses Breakfast Drinks Snack

Berry Banana Blend

4 Mins read
June 9, 2025

If you’re looking for a smoothie that’s rich in flavor, packed with nutrients, and irresistibly creamy, Berry Banana Blend is the perfect pick-me-up. This vibrant, fruit-filled drink combines ripe bananas with a medley of juicy berries for a balanced, refreshing sip that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast boost, post-workout …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Vegan Double Stack Burger
Courses Main Course

The Plant-Based Double-Double Burger That Solved My In-N-Out Craving

4 Mins read
July 21, 2025

The Double-Double burger isn’t just a fast food icon—it’s a feeling. You know the feeling. It hits you out of nowhere—a ghost on your tongue of warm grilled onions, perfectly melted cheese, and the soft squish of a toasted bun. For me, it’s tied to a dozen memories sun-drenched California road trips, a neon-lit stop …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Savory Mushroom Sauce_done
Main Course Side Dish

Savory Mushroom Sauce

3 Mins read
October 30, 2024

I remember the first time I made Savory Mushroom Sauce. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was looking for a way to warm up my kitchen and my heart. I wanted to create something that would make a simple meal feel special. As I chopped the mushrooms, their earthy smell filled the air, and …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Easy Cranberry Spread_done
Breakfast

Easy Cranberry Spread

4 Mins read
November 12, 2024

Easy Cranberry Spread is one of those recipes that I hold close to my heart. Every time I make it, I think back to the first time I tasted it during a holiday dinner. The vibrant red of the cranberries, the sweetness from the sugar, and the tang from the citrus made it the perfect …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Spiced Couscous Cucumber Cups_done
Appetizer Snack

Easy Spiced Couscous Cucumber Cups

4 Mins read
August 26, 2024

Discovering the Flavorful Delight My Favorite is Spiced Couscous Cucumber Cups and I remember the first time I made Spiced Couscous Cucumber Cups; it was a sunny afternoon, and I was eager to try something new for our family gathering. I had always loved the cool crunch of cucumbers, and combining them with a zesty …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Spicy Vegan Miso Ramen_done
Main Course Soup

#1 Best Spicy Vegan Miso Ramen

3 Mins read
August 14, 2024

A Cozy Kitchen Creation My Favorite is Spicy Vegan Miso Ramen I love to cook and As the cold wind howled outside, I decided to warm up my kitchen with a pot of Spicy Vegan Miso Ramen. It was one of those days when comfort food felt like the best remedy for the chill. I …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Sesame Ginger Asian Salad_done
Salad Side Dish

#1 Veggie Sesame Ginger Asian Salad

3 Mins read
August 14, 2024

Discovering the Sesame Ginger Asian Salad My Favorite is Sesame Ginger Asian Salad and It was one of those sweltering summer days when the thought of cooking felt unbearable. My kitchen was too hot, and the idea of turning on the stove was daunting. I wanted something cool and refreshing but didn’t want to compromise …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Autumn Spice Delight_done
Dessert

Autumn Spice Delight

3 Mins read
October 22, 2024

Autumn Spice Delight is one of my favorite treats to make when the air gets crisp, and the leaves start changing colors. The name itself makes me think of cozy moments spent with a warm drink in hand. I first created Autumn Spice Delight when I wanted a dessert that brought together all the comforting …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Fluffy Vegan Zucchini Loaf_done
Breakfast Dessert Snack

Fluffy Vegan Zucchini Loaf

4 Mins read
November 13, 2024

I was in the kitchen one afternoon, craving something soft and comforting, and that’s when the idea for Fluffy Vegan Zucchini Loaf came to me. I had some fresh zucchinis from the garden, and I knew they’d make the loaf extra moist. As I started mixing the ingredients, I could already imagine how light and airy it …

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Light Orange Bean 2024 © All Rights Reserved.
Logo
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Cuisines
    • Chinese
    • Japanese
    • French
    • Korean
    • Mexican
    • Indian
    • Italian
    • All Cuisines
  • Occasions
    • Party Appetizer
    • Game Day
    • Halloween
    • Weeknight Dinner
    • Diwali
    • Thanksgiving
    • All Occasions
  • Main Course
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert
  • Salad
  • Side Dish
  • Health Benefits
Logo
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Cuisines
    • Chinese
    • Japanese
    • French
    • Korean
    • Mexican
    • Indian
    • Italian
    • All Cuisines
  • Occasions
    • Party Appetizer
    • Game Day
    • Halloween
    • Weeknight Dinner
    • Diwali
    • Thanksgiving
    • All Occasions
  • Main Course
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert
  • Salad
  • Side Dish
  • Health Benefits