Taste the World

Easy Thai Red Curry Recipe

Last updated: May 2026

This Thai red curry is a simple coconut curry for home cooks who want big flavour without a long shopping list. It is inspired by the relaxed curry dishes you might order on a Thailand beach holiday or in a casual city restaurant.

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Recipe Summary

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Total time
35 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Estimated cost
£8-£12
Cuisine
Thai
Inspired by
Thailand beach holidays

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2-3 tbsp Thai red curry paste
  • 500g chicken thighs, prawns, tofu or mixed vegetables
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 1 courgette, sliced
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Cooked rice and coriander, to serve

Method

  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a wide pan and fry the red curry paste for 1 minute.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken, prawns, tofu or vegetables and stir to coat.

  3. 3

    Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Add courgette and pepper, then cook until the protein is done and the vegetables are tender.

  5. 5

    Season with fish sauce or soy sauce, brown sugar and lime juice.

  6. 6

    Serve with rice and coriander.

Easy UK & European Ingredient Swaps

IngredientEasy swap
Thai red curry pasteA supermarket red curry paste with extra chilli flakes if you want more heat
Kaffir lime leavesLime zest
Thai aubergineCourgette or ordinary aubergine
Palm sugarBrown sugar
Fish sauceSoy sauce with lime juice

Budget Cooking Tips

  • Use frozen prawns or tofu if fresh meat is expensive.
  • Add extra vegetables to make the curry serve more people.
  • Serve with own-brand rice for a filling low-cost meal.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half before adding fresh herbs.

Plan the Holiday Behind This Dish

Thai red curry fits the easy holiday-food mood you find in Thailand's beach towns and city restaurants. Cook it at home, then use the linked Thailand and Asia guides to compare where your budget could go next.

Thailand Thailand holidays from the UK Explore guide → Asia Browse Asia holiday guides Explore guide → Vietnam Vietnam budget travel guide Explore guide → Cambodia Cambodia budget travel guide Explore guide →
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FAQs

Is Thai red curry hotter than Thai green curry?

It depends on the paste, but red curry is often rounded and warming while green curry can taste fresher and sharper.

Can I use vegetables instead of chicken?

Yes. Aubergine, courgette, peppers, green beans and tofu all work well.

Can I make Thai red curry ahead?

Yes. It reheats well. Add fresh lime and herbs after reheating for the best flavour.