How to make Red Curry Paste (50 g portion)

Red Curry, or Kaeng Phet means “spicy curry.” Bold and fiery, it pairs beautifully with red meats and can be adapted into countless dishes, making it a true Thai classic loved everywhere.

Ingredients

  • 2 dried long red chilies: soaked in hot water, seeds removed if you prefer less heat
  • 1 fresh red chili (for color & freshness)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 small shallot
  • 5 g slice galangal
  • 5 g thin slices lemongrass (inner stalk)
  • Piece kaffir lime skin
  • 1 sliced turmeric
  • 1 piece finger root
  • ¼ tsp coriander seeds: toasted
  • ¼ tsp cumin seeds: toasted
  • 2–3 black peppercorns
  • ¼ tsp shrimp paste (or a dab of miso/soybean paste for vegetarian)(optional)

Seasoning

  • Small pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Soak dried chilies in hot water until soft, drain.
  2. Toast coriander and cumin seeds, grind to powder.
  3. Pound garlic, shallot, lemongrass, galangal, finger root, turmeric and kaffir lime skin into paste.
  4. Add chilies and salt, continue pounding until smooth.
  5. Mix in ground spices and shrimp paste.

Red curry paste can be used in various recipes

Pa-Nang Curry Paste (50 g portion) : Red curry paste with peanut or natural peanut butter.

Mas-Sa-Man Curry Paste (50 g portion) : Red curry paste with clove and cardamom seed.

Khao-Soi Curry Paste (50 g portion) : Can substitute red curry paste + ½ tsp curry powder if needed.