Vegan Thai Red Curry (2024)

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4.59 from 359 votes

45 minutes minutes

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This Vegan Thai Curry recipe is spicy, delicious, healthy and versatile! Vary the veggies and add tofu or chickpeas for protein. It’s the perfect, satisfying veggie-packed meal that delivers comfort in every bite.

Excellent recipe! I have it on rotation for my monthly meals. The hubby loves it and everyone who has tried it is a huge fan. Thank you!

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IN THIS ARTICLE

Why This Recipe is a Keeper!

Has this ever happened to you? You buy a bunch of vegetables that look so beautiful and so fresh and then… Gasp! You have to do something with them or else! Vegan Thai Red Curry is what to make when you have an abundance of vegetables!

That’s how this recipe was born but now it’s one of my go-to’s when I want something healthful, light and flavor-packed!

This vegan Thai curry is:

  • Healthy! Loaded with so many vegetables, it has to be!
  • Versatile! Vary the veggies and add tofu or chickpeas for protein if you like. Swap out the cauliflower for broccoli, sweet potatoes for the Yukons, baby kale for spinach, etc.
  • Easy!
  • Make-ahead! Perfect for meal prep, Vegan Thai Red Curry reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Gluten-free!

Let’s make it!

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How to Make a Vegan Thai Red Curry Recipe:

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vegan Thai red curry recipe along with how to prep. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.

But of course, use whatever vegetables you have that need to be used!

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

  • Oil: Use canola, coconut or your favorite.
  • “Fish” Sauce: I’m referring to a vegan “fish” sauce. If you’re not vegan, use conventional fish sauce. Either way, conventional fish or vegan “fish” sauce adds depth and umami to the curry.
  • Red Curry Paste: This may be controversial because I cook for a living, but I no longer make my own red curry paste. I don’t care for average grocery store red curry pastes because I find them wimpy with no heat. I discovered Maesri at a local international food market and I don’t see a reason to make my own anymore! It’s vegan, spicy, full of authentic flavor and inexpensive! Make your own red curry paste if you like or use Maesri!
  • Diced Tomatoes: I like to use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for another level of flavor.
  • Vegetable Broth: Kitchen Accomplice is great to have in your refrigerator when small amounts of vegetable broth are needed so you don’t have to open an entire carton or can.
  • Coconut Milk: If you’re counting calories, use reduced-fat coconut milk however the curry will be thin. Regular full-fat coconut milk helps to thicken it.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

  • Gather and prep all the ingredients.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or saute pan. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until beginning to soften.
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  • Add the carrots, red bell pepper and potatoes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often so the potatoes don’t stick to the pan.
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  • Add the red curry paste, garlic and ginger and give it a stir.
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  • Add the coconut milk, tomatoes and vegetable broth.
  • Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. (The potatoes should be close to done.)
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  • Add the cauliflower florets. Cook another 5 minutes or until vegetables are just tender and potatoes are easily pierced with a knife.
  • Add the baby spinach by the handful and stir after each addition until wilted.
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  • Add lime juice and salt or vegan “fish” sauce to taste.
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  • Garnish the red curry with fresh Thai basil leaves.
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Vegan Thai Red Curry is a spicy, healthful, delicious vegan dinner you won’t feel guilty about!

Serve with brown or white jasmine rice. Delish!

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Chef Tip:

  • Save time for a Thai red curry with vegetables by buying the vegetables already prepped or by visiting the store’s salad bar. Keep in mind, however, you’ll be paying extra for the convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is red curry paste vegan?

Not all red curry pastes are vegan; some may contain shrimp paste or fish sauce. Maesri brand red curry paste IS vegan so you can use it here or in all your vegan recipes.

What is red curry paste made of?

The Maesri red curry paste label states the following ingredients: Chili pepper, garlic, shallot, salt, lemongrass, sugar, kaffir lime, galangal and spices (coriander seed, cumin and cardamom).

Can a vegan Thai red curry recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! But be sure not to cook the vegetables so they’re super soft since you’ll reheat this dish. A vegan red curry can be reheated in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.

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Be sure to check out my other vegan Thai meals…

  • Vegetables in Thai Red Curry with Sweet Potato Noodles
  • Butternut Squash in Fresh Green Curry
  • Thai Red Curry Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes

More flavor-packed vegan dinners:

  • Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos with Chipotle Lime Slaw
  • Vegan Indian Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry
  • Cauliflower Red Lentil and Potato Curry
  • Curried Roast Vegetables

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Vegan Thai Red Curry (15)

Vegan Thai Red Curry

4.59 from 359 votes

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By: Carol | From A Chef’s Kitchen

This Vegan Thai Red Curry recipe is spicy, delicious, healthy and versatile! Vary the veggies and add tofu or chickpeas for protein. It's the perfect, satisfying veggie-packed meal that delivers comfort in every bite.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Vegetarian / Vegan Entrees

Cuisine Thai

Servings 6

Calories 383 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil - or coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion - halved and thinly sliced
  • 2 medium carrots - halved lengthwise and sliced 1/3-inch thick on the diagonal
  • 1 medium red bell pepper - seeds and membranes removed, thinly sliced
  • 8 small Yukon Gold potatoes - (baby potatoes) sliced
  • 1 can (4-ounce) red curry paste - or to taste and tolerance
  • 4 cloves garlic - minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 cans (15-ounce) coconut milk
  • 1 can (15-ounce) diced fire-roasted tomatoes - undrained
  • 1 small head of cauliflower - cut into florets
  • 1 container (5-ounce) baby spinach
  • 1 large lime - juiced
  • Salt or vegan “fish” sauce - to taste
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves - or regular basil, coarsely chopped plus more for garnish
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice

Instructions

  • Heat canola or coconut oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or saute pan. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until beginning to soften.

  • Add the carrots, red bell pepper and potatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often so the potatoes don't stick to the pan.

  • Add the red curry paste, garlic and ginger and cook briefly, 30 seconds.

  • Add the vegetable broth, coconut milk and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes. (The potatoes should be close to done.)

  • Add the cauliflower florets. Cook another 5 minutes or until vegetables are just tender and potatoes are easily pierced with a knife.

  • Add the baby spinach by the handful and stir after each addition until wilted.

  • Add lime juice and salt or vegan "fish" sauce to taste.

  • Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves.

  • Serve with cooked jasmine rice.

VIDEO

Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS: Almost any vegetable can be used in this curry. Add tofu or chickpeas for protein. Substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes.

REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: Can be reheated in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 1284mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4260IU | Vitamin C: 98mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg

These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment, star rating or post your photo on Instagram and tag @fromachefskitchen.

Vegan Thai Red Curry (2024)

FAQs

Is Thai red curry usually vegan? ›

Some usually vegan friendly dishes are Red Curry, Pad Thai ordered without egg, and Massaman Curry. But as previously stated, don't be afraid to ask if they can make a certain dish vegan without fish sauce. Happy eating!

Is Thai Kitchen red curry vegan? ›

Thai Kitchen.

Thai Kitchen brand curry pastes are vegan and gluten-free.

Can vegans eat Thai curry? ›

Thailand is traditionally a Buddhist country and many Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan, making Thai food generally plant based. This has changed over time and meat and seafood are now common ingredients in Thai food, but it's still vegan-friendly cuisine.

What's the difference between red curry and Thai curry? ›

Traditionally, all Thai curries were made with the same ingredients except for one thing: the chillies. Red curry was made with several red chillies for a fiery hot dish, while green curry was made with green chillies, and yellow curry was made with yellow chillies.

Why is curry sauce not vegan? ›

Curry sauces can vary widely, and some may contain animal-derived ingredients such as dairy or fish sauce. Double-check the ingredients to make sure they're vegan.

How to order vegan in Thai? ›

Gin jae is the most important phrase you need to order vegan since it excludes all animals and animal based products. I always recommend that you use “gin jae” instead of trying to use other Thai phrases such as I only eat vegetables or I am a vegetarian (“mang sa wee rat”) or I don't eat meat, fish, etc.

Is Trader Joe's Thai curry sauce vegan? ›

Trader Joe's Thai Yellow Curry Sauce does contain some milk product in it. I strive to provide mostly vegan recipes on my site, but will occasionally provide recipes that are not fully vegan (always vegetarian).

What Thai dishes are usually vegan? ›

4 Must-Try Vegan Thai Dishes
  • Yellow Thai Curry With Mixed Vegetables. With subtle flavors of coconut milk, turmeric, garlic, and curry powder, this curry is a Thai classic, whether you choose to have it with meat, or the vegan version. ...
  • Thai-Style Spring Rolls. ...
  • Thai Tom Kha. ...
  • Thai Sticky Rice (Khao Niaow Ma Muang)
Jul 3, 2023

Which Thai curry paste is vegan? ›

Thai Red Curry Paste 4 Oz Pack of 2 | Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free | Elevate your dishes with Authentic Spices | Eastern Blue Thai Curry Paste | 125 gm.

Which curry is usually vegan? ›

Some vegan-friendly North Indian curries include chana masala (chickpea curry in a tomato sauce), aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower in a ginger garlic turmeric sauce), baingan bharta (mashed eggplant), bhindi (okra), cabbage, and aloo matar (potatoes and peas in a spiced tomato sauce).

What percent of Thailand is vegan? ›

In 2019, around eight percent of the total population in Thailand did not eat meat. This percentage was forecasted to increase in the coming years, reaching 15 percent in 2025. In that same year, the market value of plant-based food in Thailand amounted to around 28 billion Thai baht.

Can a vegan survive in Thailand? ›

Thailand is very vegan friendly. With a history of traditional plant-based foods, Thailand has many traditional dishes that are commonly found on menus of cafes, restaurants or snack stalls.

Which Thai curry is healthiest? ›

People love green curry because of the gentle balance of heat, sweet, and acid from the chiles, lime, and fresh herbs. Green curry is great with chicken and shrimp because it offers a punch of seasoning to the protein. The long list of herbs also makes green curry one of the healthiest Thai cuisine dishes.

Which is nicer red or green Thai curry? ›

The preference of Thai red curry or green curry depends on personal taste. Some people might prefer the spicier and bolder taste of red curry, while others might enjoy the more herbal and fragrant flavor of green curry. Both are delicious in their own ways, and it's worth trying both to see which one you like better.

Is panang curry the same as red curry? ›

While it has similar ingredients, Panang curry is a bit stronger, richer, sweeter and thicker than Red Curry, as well as slightly nutty thanks to the addition of ground peanuts in the paste.

Is Thai food mostly vegan? ›

The first thing you might realize when learning about the different varieties of Thai foods is that most items are vegan. But you should note that there are a few dishes that use are not completely plant based. A common ingredient found in a lot Thai dishes are fish based seasonings such as fish sauce and oyster sauce.

What is Thai red curry made of? ›

Red Curry. This type of curry is moderately spiced and one of the most versatile. Red curry is made with several red chilies, which gives it a bold and spicy flavor. Ingredients for the curry base include coriander, cumin, red bell pepper, red chile, lemongrass, and ginger.

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