Spicy Thai Coconut Curry

Published August 22, 2012 by Ashley Palmer. Last Updated September 15, 2023.

Even though we’re still in the thick of summer here in L.A., I just couldn’t kick my craving for some Thai-style coconut curry. You know the kind—warm, creamy, packed with veggies, and loaded with spice. Naturally, I caved and, blasting the air conditioning, sat down to a steaming bowl of curry and rice.

I’ve tried many times to make curry at home and failed, but I finally formulated a recipe that is worthy of being shared. It’s very reminiscent of a panang curry that you would get at a Thai restaurant. This recipe makes a lot of servings, so feel free to cut the recipe in half or freeze some of the curry (like I did) for future cravings. 😉 Enjoy!

Spicy Thai Coconut Curry
12 oz. light coconut milk
12 oz. coconut cream
2 cups vegetable broth
¼ cup Thai red curry paste
1–2 Tbsp. powdered ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 yellow onion, diced
2–3 stalks lemon grass, diced
1 large red bell pepper, cut into strips
6 large carrots, diced
24-oz. bag frozen peas
1 lb. firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
12–15 fresh basil leaves, torn
Sriracha sauce, to taste
Rice noodles (optional)
Sea vegetables (optional)
Faux chicken (optional)

Combine the coconut milk, coconut cream, and broth in a large pot over medium heat.
Stir in the curry paste, ginger, garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and add the remaining ingredients.
Serve with steamed rice or as a soup.

Makes 12 servings