20 Authentic Thai Curry Recipes (+ Easy Dinner Ideas)

Craving the best Thai curry? Check out this list of authentic Thai curry recipes!

Spicy, creamy, and crazy delicious, you won’t want to stop at just one!

I love cozying up with a warm bowl of authentic Thai-style curry in the winter.

The combination of spice and fresh ingredients soothes the soul and nourishes the body. 

And it’s easier than you think to recreate a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

So, whether you like tasty Thai chicken recipes or you prefer to keep things veggie, there’s a Thai curry recipe on this list for everyone.

Best Ever Thai Chicken Curry and More!

1. Beef Panang Curry (Traditional Phanaeng Nua)

If a savory beef dinner is in order, this curry is a fine choice. It’s a traditional style of Phanaeng Nua that uses fresh coconut milk and pea eggplants. 

You’ll need to let the beef short ribs simmer for quite some time so they become nice and tender. 

Also, pea eggplants can be hard to find. So if you can’t get your hands on some, try garden peas instead.

2. Thai Beef with Red Curry

Another excellent way to whip up a juicy beef Thai dish is this yummy red curry recipe.

The ingredients are easy to find and the bowl is super filling.

You’ll use ingredients like lean beef, bamboo shoots, and red curry paste, all of which are available in your local grocery store. 

It will take a couple of hours to build the complex flavors, but once you’re done, you can serve that yumminess over a bed of fluffy rice.

3. Thai Green Curry

If you’re too hungry to wait for beef to tenderize, whip up this lightning-fast Thai green curry recipe instead.

With just one pot, you can throw this meal together in 20 minutes. 

But don’t worry, you won’t have to compromise on flavor. This curry is full of tender chicken, kaffir lime, and green curry paste. 

4. Chicken Massaman Curry 

I love the spice mix of this curry as much as I love all the veggies and chicken that go along with it. 

Massaman curry paste is a sweet, mild blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, and clove.

Although full of spice, it’s not Thai hot. So if you’re not big on fiery curries, massaman is certainly one for you.

5. Thai Yellow Curry

While there are a ton of easy Thai recipes for you to make at home, this one is excellent for a busy weeknight. 

This 20-minute recipe fills you up with boneless chicken breast and creamy coconut milk. Meanwhile, bell peppers and zucchini pack in nutrients. 

You’re just a short chop, saute, and simmer away from a blissful bowl of comfort food.  

6. Thai Fish Curry

For those who prefer their protein from the sea, this is another quick recipe you’ll want to try asap. 

Whitefish is swimming in a flavorful thick sauce that’s creamy, spicy, and even a touch sweet. 

You can add in any medley of veggies you like. But I recommend choosing a semi-firm white fish, such as cobia so it doesn’t fall apart in the sauce.

7. Thai Seafood Curry 

Can’t decide between shrimp, scallops, or fish? Have it all in this seafood medley!

Just take your seafood of choice along with your pick of veggies and marry them with a spicy coconut broth. 

The key to flavoring the broth is canned tomatoes and a few splashes of fish sauce. 

I know the smell of fish sauce can be somewhat off-putting, but you won’t get the right balance of flavors without it.

8. Beef Massaman Curry

The combination of beef short rib and sweet potatoes make this ideal for a hearty winter meal. 

Roasted peanuts add a pleasant crunch and if you’ve never made any tamarind recipes before, I think you’ll really love its unique taste and texture.  

The one is best served over a bed of rice so it can soak up all the juicy goodness.

9. Jungle Curry

What is jungle curry, you ask?

It’s a sweet and savory mix that doesn’t use coconut milk. Instead, it lets the ingredients do that talking.

The peppery galanga and spicy red curry are prominent flavors that are well-balanced with a touch of sugar and fish sauce.

For protein, you can choose between pork or chicken.  

(Check out my post “what is galangal?” if you’ve never had it before.)

10. Lamb Shanks Massaman Curry

This recipe is ideal for an elegant dinner party or special occasion. The prep time is minimal and the final result is incredible. 

The lamb shanks are fall-of-the-bone tender and the potatoes are on point! 

Don’t worry, the spice is mild so everyone can enjoy it. And since it’s so hands-off, you could use the extra time to make some tasty Thai sides to go with it.

11. Vegetarian Thai Green Curry

If you’ve run out of ideas for meatless Monday recipes, I can’t recommend this easy-breezy vegan curry enough. 

The crisp veggies, brown rice, and tofu are remarkably filling. For the sauce, a simple blend of maple syrup, green curry paste, and coconut milk will do.

For a little more zip, add a squeeze of lime to the dish. 

12. Vegetarian Thai Yellow Curry

This yellow curry is a great way to get stubborn eaters to finally finish their veggies. It’s chock-full of crunchy baby corn, snap peas, cauliflower, and more.

To keep this vegetarian, you’ll have to omit the fish sauce. I recommend substituting soy sauce to still get a salty, umami effect. 

13. Noodles with Thai Fish Curry Sauce 

This curry dish is a unique blend of healthy rice noodles and fish balls in a coconut milk-free broth. 

I’m a big fan of the jammy eggs and spice from the bird’s eye chili. 

I admit, though, some may not be so keen on the fish balls. However, they’re very mild, tender, and full of nutrients. 

So be adventurous and give them a try!

14. Pork and Pumpkin Thai Yellow Curry 

Looking for a way to warm up on a cold winter day? How about this sweet, savory, and wonderfully spiced Thai curry? 

The ingredients are minimal and the prep is a breeze.

Aside from pumpkin and pork, kaffir lime leaves add a zesty layer that keeps the flavors fresh.

15. Thai Red Curry Duck

You’re in for a real treat with this red curry duck. 

Tender, fatty duck, and spicy curry broth make a rich and revitalizing combination.

Meanwhile, hot chili peppers add a fiery kick that plays on the sweet tanginess of pineapple. 

If you want a curry that hits all the notes of savory, sweet, spicy, umami, and fresh, this is it. 

16. Khua Kling Moo (Southern Thai Dry Curry Pork) 

The main thing you’ll notice about this southern-style curry is it lacks coconut milk. That, and it’s a tantalizing explosion of flavor!

Ground pork may be the main component, but it’s all about the balance of seasoning. 

Red bird’s eye chili, Thai chili, and galangal are key for the curry paste, while kaffir lime leaves are a must for the pork. 

You could opt for a store-bought curry, but it won’t do this dish justice. 

17. Thai Red Curry Mussels

Whenever I see an oversized bowl of mussels swimming in curry broth making its way around a restaurant, I have to order it. 

So you can imagine how delighted I am about this recipe!

Between the fresh mussels and impeccable curry broth, this recipe can give any restaurant a run for its money.

And since mussels are a pretty light meal, you’ll have plenty of room for one (or two) of these fantastic Thai desserts!

18. Pineapple Chicken Thai Curry 

The sweet and tropical taste of pineapple is a smashing way to spruce up a curry. 

Along with some fresh cilantro and cherry tomatoes, this curry is bright enough for summer and cozy enough for winter. 

And though it may seem odd to mix cuisines, I suggest serving this with a warm and fluffy piece of Indian bread.

19. Thai Green Papaya Sour Curry (Kaeng Som)

While other curries may be rich and hearty, this one is on the lighter side. 

It’s got large chunks of papaya and succulent shrimp in delightful sour, salty broth. 

It does call for fermented shrimp paste and fingerroot which are not your run-of-the-mill grocery items. So a trip to the Asian market or some online shopping may be in order.

20. Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup)

When it comes to Thai food, I often can’t decide between noodles or curry. With this recipe, there’s no need to choose. 

It’s got slurp-worthy noodles and a rich creamy curry broth all in one bowl. Plus, there are so many toppings to choose from!

I like mine with some lime, jammy egg, and a sprinkle of cilantro. You could also try some peanuts or wonton strips for an extra crunch.