Instead of cooking curry from scratch, curry paste is a good option to help you make a delicious homemade dish in a short time. Since there are many types of curry, you may wonder how are they different and what needs to be considered when it comes to choosing the right curry paste.
Don't worry! You'll find the answer in this article from our buying guide, reviewed by a professional chef. We've also provided you 10 recommended products you can buy online. Check and see if you're interested in any of them.
Quick List - Top Curry Pastes
Thai Kitchen
Authentic Blend of Aromatic Spices for Thai-Inspired Culinary Creations
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
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Beside choosing your favorite flavor, there are other important things that we suggest you to check such as type of curry flavor, storage, and cooking instructions.
You may find various types of curry paste from different countries; however, the most popular curry pastes seem to be from these three countries: Japan, Thailand, and India.
Japanese curry has a sweet taste, mild heat compared to other types of curry, and thick texture. The sweet taste usually comes from honey, sugar, or fruit like apples, and the brown color is from roux.
You can add any type of meat, seafood, and vegetable, but the usual ingredients are meats and vegetables like onions, potatoes, and carrots. Japanese curries normally come in cube or sauce form instead of paste, but we think they’re still worth a shoutout in this article!
There are three main types of Thai curry: green, red, and yellow. What makes them different in colors are the types of chili, spices, and herbs. Although these curry pastes are different in ingredients, they use the same ingredient of the soup base, coconut milk.
The most popular type of Thai curry, green curry paste, uses green chilis, cilantro root, kaffir, sweet basil, and lemongrass. If you want a typical Thai taste, add Thai eggplant, bamboo, sweet basil, and turkey berry when you cook. Green curry goes better with meat than seafood.
Red curry uses dried red chilis as one of the main ingredients. There are many types of curry that use red curry like Gang Dang and Panang. Each type of curry uses different ingredients.
For example, typical Panang usually contains simple ingredients like meat and garnishes of shredded kaffir and red peppers. Besides curry, red curry paste can also be used in many other Thai dishes, too!
The most popular yellow curry is called massaman. Yellow curry is the mildest and often made with coriander, cumin, lemongrass ginger, garlic, and yellow or red chili. It goes well with beef or chicken and vegetables like potatoes, onions, and peanuts.
However, this doesn’t mean people who dislike spicy food can’t eat green and red curry. If you want mild spice, you can reduce the amount of curry paste but it might not taste as good as spicy ones.
Indian curry has the strongest smell and taste among all types of curry. Each type of curry uses a combination of herbs and spices like coriander, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and more.
Some of the most popular types of Indian curry are butter chicken and tikka masala. Butter chicken is mild, sweet, and creamy. The main added ingredients are butter, cream, yogurt, onion, tomato, and vegetable oil.
But if you like spicy and earthy tastes, you will like Tikka Masala. The added ingredients are quite similar to butter chicken and include yogurt, fresh or canned tomatoes, onions, chopped cilantro, and vegetable oil. Both types of curry go well with chicken.
A curry paste for one-dish use usually comes in packets or cans. These types of packaging are small and light, don’t take up much space and are convenient to bring places. If you want to cook a bigger portion or plan to use it for many meals, you might want to consider glass jars or plastic containers since they usually come in bigger sizes.
Once opened, make sure you store the leftover paste in the fridge. It usually lasts for two four to 4 weeks before it goes bad.
In general, unopened curry pastes have a long shelf life for approximately three years, but each product is different, so we recommend you to always check the expiry date before buying.
To make a complete curry dish, you need other ingredients besides curry paste like vegetables, meat, and a soup base. Some just need water! Each type of curry is different, so make sure to check what other ingredients you need.
Some require more ingredients than others. For example, you can use meat, vegetables, and water as a soup base for Japanese curry, but you will need meat, vegetables, herbs, and coconut milk to make a good Thai curry.
However, some brands offer an easier alternative that can shorten cooking steps and save time, such as using a microwave instead of the stovetop. You can also find a 2-in-1 curry paste and soup base, too!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Flavor | Packaging | Extra Ingredients Required | Volume | |||||
1 | Thai Kitchen Thai Kitchen® |Gluten Free Red Curry Paste | ![]() | Authentic Blend of Aromatic Spices for Thai-Inspired Culinary Creations | Thai | Red Curry | Bin | 4 oz | ||
2 | S&B Golden Curry Mix Medium Hot 92g | ![]() | Aromatic Spice Blend for Easy, Flavorful Curries and More | Japanese | Medium Hot | Packet | 3.2 oz | ||
3 | Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste | ![]() | Authentic Thai Flavor in Every Spoonful | Thai | Green Curry | Bin | 14 oz | ||
4 | Mae Ploy Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste | ![]() | Easy-to-make Auromatic Curry | Thai | Red Curry | Bin | 14 oz | ||
5 | Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Green Curry Paste | ![]() | Authentic Flavor Made Easy | Thai | Green Curry | Bin | 4 oz | ||
6 | Kitchens of India Kitchens of India|Paste for Butter Chicken Curry|6 pack | ![]() | Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Curry Paste for Quick Gourmet Meals | Indian | Butter Chicken | Packet | 3.5 oz (Pack of 6) | ||
7 | Maesri Thai Red Curry Paste | ![]() | Authentic Flavor in Every Spoonful | Thai | Red Curry | Bin | 4 oz | ||
8 | Maesri Thai Green Curry Paste | ![]() | Fragrant and Spicy Curry | Thai | Green Curry | Bin | 4 oz | ||
9 | Maesri Thai Panang Curry Paste | ![]() | Rich and Creamy Thai Curry | Thai | Panang Curry | Bin | 4 oz | ||
10 | Mekhala Organic Thai Yellow Curry Paste | ![]() | Organic Thai Yellow Curry Paste with Authentic Flavors and Mild Heat | Thai | Yellow Curry | Bin | 3.52 oz |
Flavor | Red Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste offers a versatile blend of red chili pepper, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and spices, carefully harvested at their peak. Ideal for stir-fries, soups, or creating creamy Thai curries with coconut milk, this paste is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. It contains a balanced nutritional profile with low calories and no fat, making it suitable for health-conscious consumers.
Packaged in a convenient bottle, it caters to both home cooks and culinary professionals seeking authentic Thai flavors without compromising on quality or dietary preferences. Whether enhancing vegetable kabobs or crafting traditional dishes, Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste promises an easy way to bring the vibrant tastes of Thailand into your kitchen.
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 4 oz |
Flavor | Medium Hot |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
S&B Golden Curry Mix Medium Hot combines S&B's original curry powder with a blend of spices and herbs, offering a quick and convenient way to elevate stews into savory curries. Ideal for pairing with rice, bread, noodles, or as a versatile sauce for various dishes, this mix strikes a balanced note between mellowness and spice. Free from meat-derived ingredients, it caters to diverse culinary preferences.
With a profile rich in flavor and enhanced by ingredients like celery seed, mustard, and garlic, S&B Golden Curry Mix promises a satisfying dining experience without the hassle of complex preparations. Whether cooking for a family meal or exploring new culinary adventures, this curry mix is a go-to choice for achieving authentic curry flavors with ease.
Type | Japanese |
---|---|
Packaging | Packet |
Volume | 3.2 oz |
Flavor | Green Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Bring the bold, aromatic taste of Thailand to your kitchen with Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste. Made with a fragrant blend of traditional Thai herbs and spices—including lemongrass, kaffir lime peel, and galangal—this paste delivers restaurant-quality curry without MSG, preservatives, or artificial colorings. The addition of savory shrimp paste enhances depth and richness, making every dish irresistibly flavorful.
Perfect for curries, soups, marinades, and dipping sauces, this versatile paste adds a vibrant kick to any meal. Packaged in a resealable tub, it stays fresh and ready for your next culinary adventure. Crafted in Thailand to the highest quality standards, it's the ultimate ingredient for authentic Thai green curry at home.
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 14 oz |
Flavor | Red Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Spice up your kitchen with Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste, a rich and flavorful blend of traditional Thai herbs and spices. Crafted with fragrant ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime peel, and galangal, this paste delivers the deep, savory taste of Thailand—without MSG, preservatives, or artificial colorings. A touch of shrimp paste adds depth, making it a must-have for bold, authentic curries.
Perfect for soups, marinades, and dipping sauces, this versatile paste infuses every dish with a vibrant red hue and a satisfying kick. Packaged in a resealable tub for freshness and convenience, it's a trusted choice for home cooks and professionals alike—straight from Thailand’s finest kitchens to yours.
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 14 oz |
Flavor | Green Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Bring the vibrant taste of Thailand to your kitchen with Thai Kitchen Green Curry Paste. Made with a fragrant blend of lemongrass, galangal (Thai ginger), and fresh green chili, this versatile paste delivers bold, authentic flavor with every spoonful.
Perfect for curries, soups, and marinades, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly paste makes it easy to create restaurant-quality Thai dishes at home. Simply stir-fry with your favorite ingredients, use as a soup base, or mix with coconut milk for a rich and aromatic green curry.
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 4 oz |
Flavor | Butter Chicken |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Kitchens of India Paste for Butter Chicken Curry blends handpicked spices and ingredients into a convenient paste, allowing anyone to create rich and aromatic Butter Chicken curry dishes at home in minutes. This medium-spiced paste is versatile, accommodating variations with chicken, paneer, or vegetables, providing an authentic taste experience rooted in Indian culinary tradition.
Crafted by master chefs from award-winning ITC hotels, Kitchens of India Paste for Butter Chicken Curry ensures quality and flavor authenticity, making it a reliable choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. The paste's formulation includes tomato paste, sunflower oil, and a blend of spices such as onion, garlic, and fresh ginger, creating a robust base that captures the essence of Butter Chicken curry. With certifications like Kosher and Gluten-Free, and manufactured with sustainability in mind, this product not only delivers on taste but also aligns with ethical and dietary considerations, making it a preferred option for those seeking convenience without compromising on quality or authenticity in their culinary endeavors.
Type | Indian |
---|---|
Packaging | Packet |
Volume | 3.5 oz (Pack of 6) |
Flavor | Red Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Create bold, flavorful Thai dishes with MAESRI Thai Red Curry Paste, a rich blend of traditional spices and herbs. This authentic paste delivers the deep, aromatic heat of Thai red curry, making it a perfect base for curries, soups, and marinades.
Conveniently packaged in a compact jar, it's easy to mix with coconut milk or stir into your favorite dishes for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you're cooking up a classic red curry or experimenting with new flavors, this Thai staple brings warmth and spice to every bite.
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 4 oz |
Flavor | Green Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Elevate your cooking with the Maesri Thai Green Curry Paste, a bold and aromatic blend of traditional Thai herbs and spices. Featuring green chilies, lemongrass, and galangal, this rich paste delivers the perfect balance of heat and fragrance, making it an essential ingredient for authentic Thai green curry.
Packaged in a convenient jar, it's easy to mix with coconut milk for a classic curry or use as a flavorful base for stir-fries, soups, and marinades. Whether crafting a quick weeknight meal or a special dish, this Thai staple brings the taste of Thailand straight to your kitchen.
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 4 oz |
Flavor | Panang Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Create a restaurant-quality dish at home with MAESRI Thai Panang Curry Paste, a fragrant blend of red chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and rich spices. Known for its slightly sweeter and nuttier profile, Panang curry delivers a creamy, aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with coconut milk.
Packaged in a convenient jar, this authentic Thai paste makes it easy to whip up a classic Panang curry or use it as a flavorful base for stir-fries, marinades, and soups. Whether cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this Thai staple adds warmth and richness to every bite.
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 4 oz |
Flavor | Yellow Curry |
---|---|
Extra Ingredients Required |
Type | Thai |
---|---|
Packaging | Bin |
Volume | 3.52 oz |
Since there is more than one ingredient required to make a dish of curry, you might want to check out our suggestions for other ingredients as well.
No. 1: Thai Kitchen|Thai Kitchen® |Gluten Free Red Curry Paste
No. 2: S&B |Golden Curry Mix Medium Hot 92g
No. 3: Mae Ploy|Green Curry Paste
No. 4: Mae Ploy|Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste
No. 5: Thai Kitchen|Gluten Free Green Curry Paste
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