The Asian Larder

Panang Curry: A Rich, Nutty Thai Curry

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Rich, nutty and thicker than a red curry, with a gentler heat. A weeknight Thai curry that still feels special.

Panang curry

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp panang or red curry paste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 500 g chicken thigh or beef, sliced
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • Thai basil, to serve

Method
 

  1. Fry the curry paste in the oil over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the chicken or beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until coloured on the outside.
  3. Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  4. Add the lime leaves and red pepper, and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
  5. Scatter with Thai basil and serve with rice.

Notes

Nutrition figures are an estimate and will shift with the protein used.

Tips for the best panang curry

  • Frying the paste before adding liquid is what wakes up the flavour, do not skip this step.
  • Panang should be thicker than a standard red curry, so let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
  • Tear the lime leaves rather than chopping them, since this releases more of their oil.

Frequently asked questions

Is panang curry the same as red curry?

They are closely related, but panang paste usually includes ground peanuts, giving a nuttier flavour and a thicker, richer sauce than a standard red curry.

Can I use red curry paste instead?

Yes, though the result will be thinner and less nutty. Stir in a spoon of peanut butter to get closer to a proper panang.

Shop this

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
Scroll to Top