Yellow Curry Recipe (with Video)

Yellow Curry Recipe: Yellow curry is a delicious, creamy, and mildly spiced dish that originates from Thai cuisine. It is known for its rich golden color, which comes from turmeric and other fragrant spices. Unlike red or green Thai curries, yellow curry has a slightly sweeter and more balanced flavor profile, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a milder yet flavorful dish.

This curry is popular worldwide due to its comforting coconut milk base and the ability to customize it with different proteins and vegetables. Whether you love chicken, shrimp, or prefer a vegetarian version with tofu, yellow curry is versatile and easy to make at home.

If you’ve ever wanted to bring the flavors of Thailand into your own kitchen, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make an authentic yellow curry from scratch!

Ingredients Required

Before we begin, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons yellow curry paste (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups water or chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (for extra color)
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (palm sugar or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
• Juice of ½ lime
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish

Substitutes and Variations:

• Coconut milk alternative: Use cashew cream or almond milk for a lighter version.
• Protein options: Replace chicken with beef, tofu, or even chickpeas.
• Vegetable swaps: Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini work well too.

How to Make Yellow Curry – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before cooking, prepare all your ingredients to make the process smooth.

1. Chop the vegetables: Dice the potato, slice the carrot and bell pepper, and chop the onion.
2. Prepare the protein: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using tofu, press and cube it. For shrimp, peel and devein.
3. Measure out the spices and seasonings: Having everything ready will make cooking easier.

Step 2: Making the Yellow Curry Paste

Yellow curry paste is the heart of this dish. You can either buy it pre-made or make your own.

Homemade Yellow Curry Paste Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece of ginger or galangal
• 2 small shallots
• 1 lemongrass stalk, finely chopped
• 1-2 dried red chilies (optional)
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (omit for vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to Make the Paste:

1. Dry toast the coriander and cumin seeds in a pan for 1-2 minutes.
2. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
3. Store in an airtight container or use immediately.

Step 3: Cooking the Yellow Curry

Now, it’s time to bring everything together!

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions for 2 minutes.
2. Add the curry paste and stir for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken (or tofu/shrimp) and cook until lightly browned.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and mix well.
5. Add potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, then pour in water or broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.

Step 4: Final Touches and Adjustments

• If the curry is too thick, add a little more water.
• Taste and adjust seasoning (add more sugar for sweetness, lime juice for acidity, or fish sauce for depth).
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice.
• Pair with naan or roti for a fusion twist.
• Add a side of Thai cucumber salad for a fresh contrast.

Variations of Yellow Curry

• Vegan Version: Use tofu and soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
• Seafood Option: Replace chicken with shrimp or fish.
• Extra Spicy: Add fresh chili or more red curry paste.

Health Benefits of Yellow Curry

• Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and great for digestion.
• Coconut milk provides healthy fats for energy.
• Vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Yellow Curry

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavors.
• Simmer slowly to allow flavors to develop.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQs about Yellow Curry Recipe

What ingredients do I need for a basic yellow curry?

To make a basic yellow curry, you will need yellow curry paste, coconut milk, chicken or tofu, vegetables like carrots and potatoes, onions, garlic, and basic seasonings such as salt and pepper. You can also add fish sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor.

Is yellow curry spicy?

Yellow curry is generally considered milder compared to other Thai curries like green or red curry. The spice level can be adjusted by using more or less curry paste according to your preference.

Can I make yellow curry vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegan yellow curry, simply substitute the chicken for tofu or extra vegetables and ensure that the curry paste is free from shrimp paste, which is commonly found in many curry pastes.

How long does it take to cook yellow curry?

Yellow curry can be prepared in about 30 minutes. Cooking time mainly depends on the type of protein and vegetables used, as they may require different cooking durations to become tender.

What is the best way to serve yellow curry?

Yellow curry is best served over steamed rice, which helps to absorb the rich, flavorful sauce. It can also be enjoyed with flatbreads like naan or roti for a delightful meal.

Can I store and reheat leftover yellow curry?

Yes, yellow curry stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be reheated on the stove or in a microwave. The flavors often deepen, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more, than the original meal.

Is yellow curry healthy?

Yellow curry can be a healthy dish, especially when loaded with vegetables and lean proteins. The turmeric in the yellow curry paste is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, adding a healthful boost. Adjusting the amount of coconut milk can help manage the calorie content.

Conclusion

Yellow curry is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping, this dish is versatile and packed with goodness. Try it today and bring the flavors of Thailand to your kitchen!