Thai Peanut Curry Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dinner option, you’ve come to the right place! This Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Picture this: a cozy weeknight at home, the aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen, and a dish that tastes like it was made in your favorite Thai restaurant—what more could you ask for?
This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone wanting to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a wholesome meal on the table that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The rich flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this curry in advance, saving time on hectic days.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand; this recipe allows for lots of substitutions.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of peanut butter and coconut milk creates a warm and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! They come together beautifully to create a comforting dish that packs a punch of flavor.
For the Curry
- 2 carrots, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil (coconut or vegetable oil can also be used)
- 2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 – 4oz. jar red curry paste
- 2 cans coconut milk
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. peanut butter
- 5 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 4 tsp. soy sauce
- Juice from 1 lime
Variations
One of the best parts about this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with what you have at home.
- Swap the protein: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based option.
- Add more veggies: Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, add some sliced chili peppers or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Make it creamy: For an even richer sauce, stir in some additional coconut milk or a splash of almond milk.
How to Make Thai Peanut Curry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or pot, add your oil and heat it over medium-high heat. When hot, toss in the diced onions, chopped carrots, and chopped potatoes. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. This step is crucial as sautéing helps bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Add Spices
Next, add in your cubed chicken along with ground ginger and minced garlic. Stir everything well to combine, then add the red curry paste. Let this sauté together for another couple of minutes before stirring in the coconut milk. This helps develop layers of flavor that make your curry taste rich and hearty.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Lower the heat slightly and let your curry simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the carrots and potatoes become nice and soft! This simmering time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Finish with Peanut Butter Goodness
Now it’s time for magic! Stir in the peanut butter along with brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Let everything cook together for another 4-5 minutes until smooth and creamy. The peanut butter adds that signature flavor we all adore!
Step 5: Serve with Rice
Finally, serve your vibrant Thai Peanut Curry over steaming rice—whether jasmine, white, or brown works perfectly! Don’t forget to garnish with chopped peanuts for that extra crunch!
This easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe will surely become a go-to in your home—enjoy every flavorful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Thai Peanut Curry Recipe
Making the perfect Thai Peanut Curry is all about balancing flavors and textures, and I’m here to help you nail it!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your curry, making it taste vibrant and lively. Always opt for fresh carrots, onions, and lime for the best results.
- Adjust spice levels: If you enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding extra red curry paste or some sliced chili peppers. This allows you to customize the heat to your own preference and make it more exciting.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the curry to simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Patience pays off, so don’t rush this step for maximum flavor!
- Try different proteins: While this recipe calls for chicken, feel free to substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Both will absorb the delicious sauce wonderfully!
- Experiment with garnishes: Adding chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro as a garnish not only enhances the presentation but also provides additional texture and freshness that elevates your dish.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Curry Recipe
Serving your Thai Peanut Curry can be just as enjoyable as cooking it! Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and satisfying.
Garnishes
- Chopped peanuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped peanuts on top of your curry for an added crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Fresh cilantro: A handful of freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright pop of color and aromatic freshness to each bite.
- Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side so guests can squeeze extra juice over their curry, enhancing its zesty flavor.
Side Dishes
- Steamed jasmine rice: This fragrant rice is the perfect base for soaking up all that delicious peanut curry sauce. Its light texture pairs well with the rich dish.
- Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed lightly with vinegar balances out the richness of the curry, providing a crisp contrast.
- Thai spring rolls: These crispy rolls filled with fresh vegetables are a delightful appetizer that complements the warm flavors of your main dish.
- Stir-fried greens: Quick stir-fried bok choy or spinach tossed with garlic makes for a nutritious side that adds color and vitamins to your meal.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a memorable dining experience that friends and family will rave about! Enjoy every comforting bite of this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store it properly:
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover curry in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.
- Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Let the curry cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container as the curry will expand.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen curry overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!
Can I make this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for an equally tasty vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Thai Peanut Curry Recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. Feel free to add a light salad or some steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
How spicy is this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe?
The spice level will depend on how much red curry paste you use. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe as much as I do! It’s not only flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it by adding extra veggies or adjusting the spices. Happy cooking!
Thai Peanut Curry
Enjoy this easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe ready in just 30 minutes! A delicious dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Try it today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing/Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 4 oz. jar red curry paste
- 2 cans coconut milk
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. peanut butter
- 5 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 4 tsp. soy sauce
- Juice from 1 lime
Instructions
- Sauté the onions, carrots, and potatoes in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add cubed chicken, ginger, and garlic; stir well and incorporate red curry paste.
- Pour in coconut milk and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice; cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Serve over steaming rice garnished with chopped peanuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
